Mountain Xpress 08.09.17

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OUR 24TH YEAR OF WEEKLY INDEPENDENT NEWS, ARTS & EVENTS FOR WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA VOL. 24 NO. 3 AUG. 9 - 16, 2017

C O NT E NT S

PAGE 9 WHERE THERE’S SMOKE ...

heroes for hire

Buncombe fire services under pressure

part one!

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As Buncombe County continues its rapid pace of development, local fire departments are scrambling to keep up. Xpress takes a look at the county’s network of fire departments. Shown here, Lt. James Kelly of Leicester Fire Department.

COVER PHOTO Cindy Kunst COVER DESIGN Scott Southwick

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OPINION

Send your letters to the editor to letters@mountainx.com.

STA F F PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR: Jeff Fobes ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER: Susan Hutchinson ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Virginia Daffron A&E EDITOR/WRITER: Alli Marshall FOOD EDITOR/WRITER: Gina Smith WELLNESS EDITOR/WRITER: Susan Foster OPINION EDITOR: Tracy Rose STAFF REPORTERS/WRITERS: Able Allen, Edwin Arnaudin, Thomas Calder, Virginia Daffron, Dan Hesse, Max Hunt CALENDAR EDITOR: Abigail Griffin CLUBLAND EDITORS: Abigail Griffin, Max Hunt MOVIE REVIEWERS: Scott Douglas, Francis X. Friel, Justin Souther

CARTOO N BY RAN D Y M O LT O N

Facts show the Civil War was over slavery I agree with Tom Cook in his letter [“Erasing Past Deprives Us of Understanding,” July 26] supporting the continuation of Confederate monuments, with some additions.

Racism, indeed, continues, and Southern soldiers were not the sole cause. Racism had been embedded in Europeans when they came to America, North and South. Racism developed differently, especially as Northern slavery died out well before the Civil War, mostly due to the economic “inefficiency” of supporting enslaved families during the barren winter months.

Wealthy Southern families owned slaves, banks and newspapers, and also controlled political offices. The vast majority of Southern whites, however, did not, and actually competed with slave labor to support themselves.

According to historical records, the U.S. (Union/North) fought to keep itself together as most of the Southern slave states vowed to leave because they feared that incoming President Lincoln would further limit slavery, or perhaps even outlaw

it altogether (which he hadn’t stated, nor had the power to achieve).

As for the intentions of the Confederate States, their purpose in leaving, according to “The Declaration of Causes of Seceding States,” included “an increasing hostility on the part of the nonslaveholding States to the institution of slavery” in South Carolina, to “Our position is thoroughly identified with the institution of slavery — the greatest material interest of the world,” Mississippi stated. Please read the actual Confederate States’ causes for secession if you want to know the facts, not the mythology.

As for calling the Civil War the “War of Northern Aggression,” this is pure propaganda, as the Confederacy initiated deadly force against U.S. troops in Fort Sumter.

Finally, if we are to remember our history as it actually happened, we need to place equally large monuments for those who suffered generations of brutal enslavement near every Confederate monument.

We would like to forget about slavery, but this is exactly why racism still continues.

Agreed, we need to talk, using historical facts.

— Dan Kowal Franklin

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Peter Gregutt, Rob Mikulak, Margaret Williams INTERNS: Hannah Frisch, Molly Horak, Arianna Moore REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS: Jonathan Ammons, Kari Barrows, Leslie Boyd, Jacqui Castle, Laurie Crosswell, Scott Douglas, Steph Guinan, Rachel Ingram, Tony Kiss, Bill Kopp, Cindy Kunst, Kate Lundquist, Kat McReynolds, Emily Nichols, Lauren Stepp, Daniel Walton, John Piper Watters, Nick Wilson ADVERTISING, ART & DESIGN MANAGER: Susan Hutchinson GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Norn Cutson, Jordy Isenhour, Scott Southwick, Olivia Urban MARKETING ASSOCIATES: Thomas Allison, Sara Brecht, Bryant Cooper, Niki Kordus, Tim Navaille, Brian Palmieri, Heather Taylor INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES & WEB: Bowman Kelley, DJ Taylor BOOKKEEPER: Amie Fowler-Tanner ADMINISTRATION, BILLING, HR: Able Allen, Jordy Isenhour DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Jeff Tallman

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Send your letters to the editor to letters@mountainx.com.

Don’t rewrite history, just get rid of the monuments

Stop the Atlantic Coast Pipeline!

A recent letter in this column [“Erasing Past Deprives Us of Understanding,” July 26] claimed that our Civil War was not “fought over slavery” and went on to say that Reconstruction-era monuments are necessary to remind us of that history.

The causes of our Civil War are certainly multifaceted and played out in the decades prior to the war itself. These causes included vastly different cultures and conflicts rooted in the plantation economy of the rural South and the early stages of an industrial economy in the increasingly urban North.

One part of the prewar conflict was the admission of new states into the union.

Each side, North and South, was concerned that if more states were admitted to the other side, they would lose power in Congress. Thus, for many years a new slave state was balanced by a new free state. This free/slave tit-for-tat speaks to how central slavery was to each side.

Further, when Abraham Lincoln, who was opposed to the expansion of slavery, was elected president, South Carolina seceded from the Union. The South knew that if slavery were confined to the states where it was currently allowed, it would die a slow death. So, while it is true that slavery was not the sole cause of our Civil War, it was a central cause, a cause deeply connected to the culture and economy of each side.

I agree with the writer that it is extremely important to teach history to the next generation and that monuments can serve an important role in that educational effort. Where I disagree is that I view it as immoral to tolerate monuments glorifying America’s original sin and honoring leaders who were responsible for the horrors of that sin. Tolerating monuments such as the Vance obelisk teaches young people that the ownership of slaves was not important and certainly nothing to be considered shameful. But it is important and it is shameful, particularly in Asheville, where the ideal of social equality is so widely embraced.

Personally, I would like to see Asheville follow the lead of cities like New Orleans and tear down these monstrous celebrations of slavery and slave owners. This is not rewriting history, but placing its most despicable actors in libraries and museums, rather than on pedestals in the town square. Failing that, the full story must be told at these sites. It should be made clear that Vance and others embodied the inhuman depravity that slavery entailed.

— Richard Winchell Asheville

Do you ever think about how we can take charge of our energy future? Even though our mayor and City Council have advocated 100 percent renewable energy by 2050, there’s a problem. We must prevent the infrastructure (such as frackedgas pipelines) that locks us into fossil-fuel dependency for decades to come.

The Atlantic Coast Pipeline is a project of Dominion and Duke Energy. This $5.5 billion, 42-inch diameter, 600-mile pipeline carrying fracked gas under high pressure would run from West Virginia through Virginia and across Eastern North Carolina, threatening pristine forests, headwaters, hundreds of streams, as well as many farms and communities.

Seizing people’s private land by eminent domain in order to make a few wealthy people richer while destroying the climate and endangering people in its pathway is just plain wrong!

At risk are many people of color: AfricanAmericans and Native peoples in Eastern North Carolina. Their property value will drop; there is a blast zone of over a mile around the pipeline; and some farms will be completely destroyed. Far from a boon to the local economies, this pipeline would close down farms and place people at risk.

The gas is for export; there is a glut of fracked gas on the market. It is not needed in North Carolina.

Fracked gas devastates the communities in which it is mined, and the leaks and venting of methane wreak havoc on the climate. Annual emissions from the ACP are estimated at 68 million metric tons — equivalent to the emissions from 20 average U.S. coal plants.

To achieve climate goals, this dangerous poison gas needs to stay in the ground. Instead, we need to invest immediately in solar and wind for an energysecure future that avoids the worst of climate catastrophe.

Stop the pipeline! Please submit your comments by Aug. 22 to: comment-acp@ deq.virginia.gov.

— Cathy Holt

Asheville

Bothwell best choice for Asheville City Council Nov. 7 is your chance to take a stand for our city. Re-elect Cecil Bothwell for City Council.

His record from the past eight years of serving proves that he is accessible to residents, researches issues, uses facts to make informed votes for our city and residents, and does not back down from

taking a stand. The positions that Cecil takes are based on his determination to be a voice for residents and our quality of life.

Cecil is a neighbor, an environmental activist, a hands-on volunteer in our community and true public servant.

He is in favor of legalizing accessory dwelling units [for use as homestay rentals] for residents who meet the criteria. He does not support whole-house short-term rentals.

Cecil supports increased public transit.

This allows folks who cannot afford to live in the city limits a way to commute to work easily, will help with reducing the carbon footprint downtown and reduce the need for additional parking garages.

Cecil is a forward thinker. He is committed to increasing green park areas downtown instead of adding more private development at the cost of concreting over and losing the beauty of our city. There are three Council seats open and the mayor’s seat.

Cecil cannot make changes alone.

Re-elect Cecil, boot Gwen Wisler out and elect two new, fresh, progressive-thinking Council members along with a new mayor. Then we may actually have a Council that will vote in favor of Asheville residents’ needs.

Learn more and donate at www.cecilbothwell.com. Most of all, get out and vote for Cecil Bothwell on Nov. 7.

— Julie Nelson

Asheville

Vote Kapoor for neighborhood involvement South Asheville activist Vijay Kapoor has signed into the race for Asheville’s City Council. An attorney who also has degrees in economics and public policy studies, Kapoor heads a firm that consults on governmental and public-sector workforce issues for both large and small governments. If elected, he would advocate for greater involvement of neighborhood representatives in the City Council’s planning and decision-making.

Vijay was born in Chicago, the son of an Indian father and a Polish mother. He grew up in Asheville and now lives with his wife and children in the Ballantree community on Sweeten Creek Road.

I urge readers to vote for Vijay Kapoor for Asheville City Council in the [primary] election, if you agree with me that “We need policies that permit rational and responsible development, but preserve what makes this area special.”

— Paula I. Robbins

Asheville

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C A RT O O N B Y B R E NT B R O W N

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OPI N I ON

Send your letters to the editor to letters@mountainx.com.

Yoga festival was awesome Like many, I tend to be motivated to write letters to the editor on environmental issues or pending legislation. Not this time.

This time, I want to give a huge shout-out of love and appreciation to the July 26-29 Asheville Yoga Festival! Wow! What a beautiful way to enjoy Asheville and share the beauty of these mountains with others. I am overwhelmed with gratitude to promoters Amanda Hale and Sara LaStella for the vision and manifestation of a festival that embodied yoga and wellness in a rich, full, meaningful way. Their mission — to invite the community into conscious connection and compassion through practice, discussion, communion with nature and celebration — worked on every level.

They created a diverse lineup of presenters, from local teachers to international teachers. I loved the underlying energy of action and community involvement — from bringing in Dr. Chelsea Jackson Roberts (a teacher who focuses on

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issues around yoga accessibility and yoga for marginalized populations), to designating Light a Path (a local nonprofit that brings yoga and other somatic practices into area correctional facilities, schools, homeless shelters and more) to receive a portion of ticket sales, to ending the weekend with a French Broad River cleanup. Wow! Can we have more of this?

I’ve lived and worked in Asheville since 1995. Over the past 10 years, I find that I mostly work in Asheville and tend to spend my off time out of the city as much as possible. This past weekend gave me so much hope for Asheville and attracting positive participation in our city from visitors and residents together, as well as for the diversity of the participants. To walk the streets of Asheville and see a rainbow of people engaging in wellness, health and larger discussions of access and change is exactly what we need, right now.

I hope that this festival becomes an annual event. These are the kinds of things we want to be known for.

— Sierra Hollister

Mars Hill

NEWS

WHERE THERE’S SMOKE...

How local fire departments keep residents safe in changing times

WHO YOU GONNA CALL: Leicester Fire Department medical and fire service, protecting people in parts of three counties around the clock. Chief Chris Brown, in white, commands the growing department and works with a board of directors to manage the finances and policies that govern the part paid, part volunteer department. Photo by Cindy Kunst

BY ABLE ALLEN aallen@mountainx.com When Ben Franklin helped assemble the Union Fire Company in Philadelphia in 1736, it was a small, private “benevolent society.” Each of the 30 or so men had to provide leather buckets for carrying water and linen bags for saving property at his own expense. Boston, a smaller city, already had paid firefighters. But the Union Fire Company was among the first privately formed, volunteer groups to provide public fire protection and education, regardless of whether the beneficiaries paid for it. And for nearly a century, the organization provided a valuable service to its community, alongside a handful of similar groups.

Vestiges of that way of thinking persist even today, but the rapid pace of development has local volunteer fire departments scrambling to keep up. Except for the Asheville Fire Department, all such organizations in Buncombe County use at least some volunteers. But over the

last quarter-century, the trend has been toward relying more and more on paid emergency workers.

Still, most local fire departments are not arms of government but private nonprofits that provide a public service to special tax districts. And while this model may foster innovation and is often remarkably efficient in its use of public funds, there are tradeoffs in terms of oversight, transparency and ethical standards.

Leicester has built two new substations and is planning to replace its 39-year-old main station.

The Fairview Volunteer Fire Department has seen a similar transformation, notes Chief Scott Jones. When he started 26 years ago, Jones recalls, veteran volunteers trained newer recruits. Two paid firefighters covered the day shifts while most of their colleagues worked other jobs; volunteers

did everything else. Skyland Fire & Rescue, the largest of the nonmunicipal departments in Buncombe County, hired firefighters in the 1970s but relied mostly on volunteers until much more recently.

Now, however, over 700 hours of formal training are required to qualify for a job in the fire service. And though vol-

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TRAINING WHEELS Leicester’s story typifies the trends playing out around the county these days. After many years as an all-volunteer organization, the Leicester Volunteer Fire Department hired its first paid firefighter in the mid-1990s, says Chief Chris Brown. Two decades later, there are 16 full-time employees, plus 20 part-timers and 18 volunteers.

Over the last 10 fiscal years, annual revenue has more than doubled, and expenses have nearly doubled, while the fire tax rate that supports the operation has increased by 40 percent. Meanwhile,

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NEWS unteers can start out untrained, Jones explains, the department trains each recruit as the schedule allows. “That’s the hard part,” he concedes. “If you volunteer, you’ve still got to go through the same amount of training as our paid staff.”

Perhaps not surprisingly, volunteers are much harder to come by these days.

Jones says his department has gone from 35 or 40 volunteers to its current crew of 10 to 15. Over in Leicester, Chief Brown says he’s fortunate to have more volunteers than many other departments, but “there are so many requirements, and with people having to work, they just can’t keep up with it.”

Although some volunteers see their service as a step toward a career in emergency services, he continues, many simply want to help their neighbors and community, and those folks may find it particularly difficult to set aside the time for training.

GROWING PAINS Factor in a growing population and a new construction boom, and it’s easy to see why fire department workloads are increasing. To offset the shrinking volunteer pool, most of the responsibility for saving lives and protecting property now falls on paid firefighters and emergency medical personnel.

And even though the lion’s share of their budgets goes toward wages, salaries and benefits, these departments can’t afford to hire as many firefighters as they’d like. “We just don’t have the money,” says Brown.

Although department revenues, which are tied to rising property values, have skyrocketed, equipment costs are rising even faster. “We’ve got four pieces of [major] equipment right now that’s over 20 years old,” he says.

According to National Fire Protection Association standards, “Anything over 20 years should be replaced. We can’t keep up with that standard.” Instead, continues Brown, “We try to maintain our equipment and keep it in the best working order.”

Fairview, too, has 20-year-old firetrucks on the front lines, Jones reports.

Years ago, he notes, “We might have bought it brand-new for $100,000. Right now that same truck, brand-new, is probably $600,000. The biggest challenge is trying to maintain and keep up with the growth of Fairview but also keep our buildings and properties and equipment up-to-date, so we don’t end up getting a firefighter hurt with an old piece of apparatus.”

Just outfitting a single firefighter is plenty pricey. In the early ’90s, an air pack with a spare bottle cost $700 or 10

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$800; today, the equivalent piece of gear is about $6,500, he points out.

In fact, notes Jones, rising equipment costs have actually contributed to driving up wages. “We lost seven paid firefighters in one year due to being able to go to another department and be paid more money.” But a salary study conducted by a consulting firm concluded that it would be cheaper to offer more competitive wages than to hire and equip new firefighters.

Although Leicester faces similar challenges, Brown says that thanks to its 14-cent fire tax (one of the highest in the county), his department has managed to keep expenses below revenue and even, most years, put some money aside to help meet future needs.

Fairview, meanwhile, is toward the lower end of the fire-tax spectrum, with a tax rate of 10.5 cents per $100 of assessed property value. Last year, the department responded to nearly 50 percent more calls than Leicester, while spending only one-third more to provide those services. Nonetheless, Fairview’s expenses have outpaced its revenues for several years.

The 2016 difference in tax rates and budget commitments for the two departments enabled Leicester to accumulate some $250,000 in savings, while Fairview was about that amount in the red — even though it’s only a few years since its last tax rate increase.

from a station gets a 10 rating: the same as one with no fire protection.

This is one of the reasons that departments have been striving to improve the service in the county’s fastest-growing areas. And while fire tax rates have been raised to support that growth, homeowners’ insurance rates have come down across broad swaths of the county.

That’s particularly true for houses within 5 road miles of a department that’s taken steps to improve its rating, notes Terry Gentry of the Buncombe County Fire Marshal’s Office. In the last five years, five local departments, including both Leicester and Fairview, have been able to lower the ratings for nearby homes from 9E to 6. Woodfin’s rating dropped from 6 to 5. Three others have recently gone from 5 to 4. And Skyland went from 4 to 3, joining Asheville as the county’s top departments in terms of insurance ratings.

Meanwhile, the improvements keep coming. Fairview, for example, was recently reinspected. “In the last few years since the inspection where they got the 6/9E,” says Gentry, “they’ve added a station, they’ve added personnel and equipment.” And by next year, he says, the department will be classified 3/9E. Thanks to that second station, only a very small percentage of the organization’s service area is now more than 5 miles from firefighters standing by to help.

NUMBERS GAME

TAX AND SAVE

Although keeping up with best practices costs plenty, improving service quality and capability can actually save taxpayers money, even if they never experience a house fire or medical emergency themselves.

Buncombe County is currently divided into 20 fire protection, ambulance and rescue service districts plus five municipal districts. Nineteen fire departments, some of which have substations, serve these areas, and every community in each of the districts is rated by the N.C. Department of Insurance, based on the fire department assigned to that area and each home’s proximity to the nearest station. A point system evaluates such factors as staffing levels, amount and condition of equipment, communications capabilities and water availability, and a lower number rating typically results in lower fire insurance rates, though beyond a certain point only high-dollar residences and commercial properties benefit. Homes within 5 miles of a fire station get that department’s best rating, which in Buncombe ranges from 3 to 9E. Houses between 5 and 6 road miles from a qualifying station are rated 9E. Any home that’s more than than 6 road miles

A portion of property tax revenue goes to fund the fire district each homeowner resides in. The Buncombe County commissioners set fire tax rates, which vary depending on the locality, and departments requesting an increase must justify it by showing how it will serve the public. The Enka-Candler and Skyland departments have the lowest rates, at 9 and 9.1 cents, respectively. Barnardsville and tiny Garren Creek are at the upper end, with 15-cent rates. The rest fall somewhere in between, with the larger departments in more populous districts tending toward the low end and those in more spread-out, rural districts typically higher. The chiefs say they strive to keep tax rates low, but the real win for homeowners comes from the insurance savings that better ratings often bring.

The owner of a $100,000 house in Leicester, for example, would have seen a $30 increase (from $110 to $140) when the fire tax went from 11 cents to 14 cents. But for homes within the 5-mile limit, says Brown, the insurance rating dropped from 9 to 6, which “pretty much cut their insurance expenses in half.” And for most homeowners, that would mean a

savings of well over $200, depending on their insurance carrier.

For homeowners, dropping the rating from 9E to 6 generates the biggest savings. Further improvements tend to benefit commercial structures more than homes, notes Gentry.

But balancing tax increases and insurance savings can be tricky, says Jerry Vehaun, the county’s emergency services director, and there’s no guarantee that improving services will lead to lower premiums. “Sometimes it benefits commercial and doesn’t benefit a homeowner; sometimes it will benefit both.”

Fairview resident Lisa Baldwin takes exception to the way things worked out in her community. Because the county commissioners voted to reassess property at a time when home prices were high, she explains, both her fire tax and her total tax bill have increased by 25 percent, despite no change in the rate.

And while the department’s new substation may have helped lower the insurance rating from 6 to 3 for any building within 5 miles of the facility, Baldwin says she won’t see any benefit, because the base insurance rate is the same for residences rated 1-6. She and her neighbors, says Baldwin, were led to believe that building a new station would lower their insurance costs, but she’s paying more across the board.

“My homeowner’s insurance premium is going up. The insurance company asked us to sign a form giving them permission to charge us more than the rate allowed by N.C.! The reason given was that many claims had been filed in the area. We did not file any claims, and our credit is perfect,” she says.

RIDING HERD But if most of these fire departments aren’t part of any government, how do they get tax dollars? And how does the public know the recipients aren’t blowing it all on picnics — or simply letting their board of directors and officers pocket the money?

The county does require a certain level of accountability, Vehaun explains. “Everything they do has to be open to the public. They have to follow the contract they’ve got with the county that specifies that they have an audit every year. They have to turn it in to the county before they’ll receive any money for the following year from their fire tax.” And in the meantime, they must satisfy the contract’s requirements in order to collect their monthly share of the property taxes. They’re also required to adhere to the state’s open meetings law, he says.

But once a department has requested and received a tax increase, the

general public can’t know exactly what happens to every dollar, and it isn’t even clear that residents have the right to that information, as they generally do with governmental operations.

As a result, it’s not easy to suss out the inner workings of fire department spending. Xpress obtained financial information for this story from various sources, including the county attorney’s office and finance department, interviews with fire chiefs, and reports from the Buncombe County Fire Chiefs Association. The finance department reviews and maintains the independent audits of the various firefighting organizations.

We emailed all the volunteer fire departments, asking for materials that should be readily available in the case of a municipal department: an organizational chart, roster, budget and pay scale. Initially, however, the only response came from Terry Simmonds, Garren Creek’s treasurer.

The county’s smallest fire department, he explained, is an independent nonprofit, adding, “Much of the data that you request is available in the public domain, and I suggest that you seek it there.” Simmonds did offer to speak to Xpress about the “nature of these corporations” but he made it clear that the “discussions would be limited to that information which is available publicly.” Simmonds also said the local chiefs association would be providing additional data on behalf of all the departments.

Ryan Cole, who was then the association’s head, did supply much of the requested information, including a multidepartment pay scale survey — but he, too, maintained that the departments aren’t legally required to disclose it and that they were providing whatever material they chose to share solely in the interest of transparency.

For his part, Cole, who’s the deputy chief at Skyland Fire & Rescue, said he’s allowed to divulge only what his board of directors has authorized.

Xpress argued that because of the contract arrangement with the county, such information is in the public interest. And they should fulfill public information requests because, under state law, these quasi-governmental entities “are entitled to the same immunities and protections that [governmentrun] fire departments are allowed,” says Amanda Martin, general counsel for the N.C. Press Association.

FOLLOWING THE MONEY When it comes to things like ethics, transparency and departmental policy

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N EWS — or, for that matter, anything not expressly covered in the contract that grants these organizations access to the county’s fire tax revenue — the buck stops with each department’s board of directors and its bylaws. Each fire chief serves as executive and thus also wields a certain amount of power.

Board members may represent various interests. Leicester’s board includes a retired principal, a banker and assorted other community members who, says Brown, are “pretty tough, especially when you start talking about money. I have a good board of directors: They’re regular citizens, but they have a lot of experience. ... I have to have my ducks in a row to them, I’ll say that. I’ve been turned down several times” on budget requests.

And even if his organization isn’t subject to the same transparency laws as, for example, the Asheville Fire Department, “We have nothing to hide,” says Brown. “We try to be open.”

The community, he notes, is invited to the annual meetings, and lenders that finance major expenditures often require public meetings as well.

Furthermore, says Vehaun, if the county saw evidence of poor management at a particular fire department, the commissioners could revise the next contract to require specified governmental best practices. These contracts already require an audit, open board meetings and a bidding process when costs are expected to exceed a set amount.

TEAMWORK Although local governments don’t have to provide fire protection services, North Carolina’s 1977 Emergency Management Act does hold counties responsible for coordinating emergency management efforts within their boundaries. They can either establish their own service organizations or contract with municipal or nonprofit volunteer departments funded via special service districts.

Buncombe County operates a fire marshal’s office to implement its inspection and prevention programs; it also has contracts with all of the volunteer entities plus the Asheville and Black Mountain fire departments. The Asheville agreement covers Biltmore Estate and a portion of Haw Creek; Black Mountain serves the East Buncombe Fire District.

Weaverville, meanwhile, runs its own fire department, Montreat contracts with Black Mountain to provide fire protection and Biltmore Forest contracts with Skyland.

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regional hub for education, health care and shopping.

Biltmore Forest used to pay the city of Asheville $750,000 per year for fire service. Looking to cut costs, the town signed a 15-year contract with Skyland at an annual cost of $425,000 in 2013, according to Town Administrator Jonathan Kanipe. The deal guarantees service that gives all affected residents an insurance rating of 6 or better. In addition, Skyland agreed to build a substation in the town. The department also sends a representative to town meetings and even drives a truck bearing Santa Claus through town during the holidays.

Asheville Fire Chief Scott Burnette says he doesn’t regret the loss of that contract, since there’s more than enough demand for his department’s services. Last year, the AFD responded to over 18,000 calls for service, he says. Those calls included about 900 fires and assistance to other fire departments. Concord, with a similar population and land area, responds to a more typical 8,000 or 9,000 calls in a year.

“Our workload, our service demand, is for a population of about 200,000, and we have the resources available to a community of less than 100,000,” notes Burnette. That dynamic, he says, results from Asheville’s popularity as a tourist destination and the city’s role as a

IT’S MUTUAL A countywide mutual aid agreement, explains Burnette, obliges the closest unit to respond to any incident. That means, for example, “if a citizen in the Candler community calls 911, then we will send a unit if we are closer than they are.”

And it works the same way going the other direction, with Candler units responding to Asheville calls, the chief says. Covering for other departments happens “on a daily basis.”

That kind of coordination works “seamlessly” because the firefighters share a training facility, engage in joint training exercises and use common operating procedures, Burnette says. When different departments respond to a call, an incident management system determines who is in command. Those procedures don’t depend on jurisdiction or rank, volunteer or paid staff, he continues, but rather on “what is going on on that scene at that time.”

Beyond the legal agreements and shared protocols, firefighters belong to a subculture that views the bonds between team members and services as akin to family ties. And oftentimes, members of the same family work together in the same department, a practice that brings its own benefits and concerns. (See sidebar, “Focus on the Fire Family.”)

The volunteer system Ben Franklin set up nearly 300 years ago has spawned a complex web of taxes, insurance, contracts, training and equipment, not to mention people and relationships. Despite the challenges of funding and coordination, however, it’s hard to dispute that local first responders consistently rise to the challenge of emergencies large and small, forming the bedrock of a public safety system on which the entire community depends.

While there’s nary a leather bucket to be found in today’s fire service, and volunteers represent a shrinking part of the system, the spirit of the cooperative approach remains as leaders confront the challenges of modern governance and firefighting. X

FOCUS ON THE FIRE FAMILY Firefighters talk a lot about the bonds they share with their co-workers, and it’s not unusual to hear those relationships described as being “like family.”

In many cases, they actually are family: At the Skyland department alone, 18 employees are related to at least one other employee, according to Deputy Chief Ryan Cole.

“We’ve got two husbands and wives. I think two fathers, sons. We’ve got two brothers, I think. We’ve got several cousins.” He estimates that another 25 are related to people serving at other departments.

The coziness of those relationships has recently proved something of a mixed blessing for Skyland Chief Dennis Presley, whose wife, son, daughter and son-in-law are all employed by the department. Following the public comments Weston Hall made at the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners’ Aug. 1 meeting about the dangers of nepotism in fire departments, Presley announced he will be retiring on Sunday, Aug. 20.

RUMORS AND ALLEGATIONS

FAMILY MATTERS

In February, Mountain Xpress began receiving letters and phone calls from anonymous sources alleging concerns regarding the Skyland department’s management. Then in May, Hall also contacted us, writing in an email, “Skyland Fire and Rescue currently promote a hostile [work] environment.” Hall did not request anonymity and stated that his comments were for the record.

WLOS aired a story in June that looked at the potential for conflicts of interest when dealing with family on the job, but mostly highlighted the tradition of strong family dynamics in the fire service. The story featured the Skyland department along with other local departments.

In looking into Hall’s and others’ concerns, Xpress encountered difficulty in accessing information from the department, which led us to explore the rules for transparency and oversight for nonprofit fire services. That was the starting point for our story “Where there’s smoke…” elsewhere in this issue.

At the county commissioners’ Aug. 1 meeting, Asheville Fire Department firefighter Hall raised concerns about the possible effects of nepotism in fire departments.

“Nepotism breeds corruption and is linked to sexual harassment, discrimination and loss of confidence in the government. It goes against everything Buncombe County stands for in their good practices,” he told commissioners, referencing the county’s personnel policy, which does not allow immediate family to work in a hierarchy within a department.

Hall, who’s running for Black Mountain mayor, usually works in the Asheville portion of the station that his department shares with Skyland Fire and Rescue on Hendersonville Road.

He put the question to commissioners: “You are sexually harassed by the son of the chief of your department, so who do you go to [to] make your complaint? The chief? The board? Firefighters do not complain, not out of loyalty, but out of fear of

CATHARSIS

LIKE A ROCK: Skyland Fire & Rescue was one of the first Buncombe County volunteer departments to hire firefighters and medical personnel, but they still are governed by the same rules as small volunteer departments. Photo by Able Allen their job. They are basically gagged by the system.”

Buncombe County, Hall said, supports “an environment of fear” by allowing tax dollars to fund departments that don’t conform to the county’s policy standards.

“And I do not speak of simply a captain with a son [who is a] firefighter on a different shift,” he continued. “I consider it to be a chief of a department employing a family in direct supervision at a paid fire department. Skyland Fire Department employs the chief’s wife, daughter, son and son-in-law.”

Hall called on commissioners to intervene on behalf of the public because, as he sees it, the public views the fire service as a public institution and expects the standards of government to be applied.

“Obviously, this is [a nongovernmental organization] but an NGO that receives tax dollars from Buncombe County and is perceived to be a government agency by the community,” he told them. “I am a citizen of Buncombe County, and I do not want my tax dollars going to promote such a hostile work environment.”

Immediately after his statement to the commissioners, Hall told Xpress that “The simplest thing would be for Chief Presley to step down, and/or have his wife, his daughter, his son and his son-inlaw go to another department if he wants to stay in that position.”

FIREWALLS Deputy Chief Cole agrees that family members shouldn’t be making pay and hiring decisions for relatives, but he says that those lines haven’t been crossed at the Skyland station on behalf of the Presley family.

“We went through all this stuff with WLOS,” he explains. “For us, the fire chief is managed by the board. His wife is the office manager. She reports directly to the board of directors. So they don’t report to each other.”

The chief, for his part, denies any wrongdoing. He points out that Skyland’s policies don’t prohibit working with family members. “Neither does [any] other [nonprofit] fire department in the county or state,” he says.

Local government, on the other hand, does have policies that control family interactions in the workplace. Asheville Fire Department doesn’t allow family members to work in the same sections or on the same shifts. And the county doesn’t allow department heads to hire family members. The elected positions of Buncombe County register of deeds and sheriff can hire relatives with the approval of the Board of Commissioners, as allowed by state law. There’s a similar allowance for the county manager.

Contacted for comment the day after Hall’s public complaint, Presley seemed more relaxed than during previous conversations with Xpress. “Today I feel like a million pounds lifted off me,” he said after revealing his decision to retire, which he said he’d been contemplating for some time.

Presley also commented that criticism of his family’s employment situation had been distressing. “Had I known it would be this bad, I would not have gotten back in it,” he said. Originally hired in the 1990s to lead the Skyland department, Presley had previously retired to lead the launch of the county’s fire training facility. He returned to Skyland in 2013.

At the annual meeting of the Skyland department’s board in July, three longtime board members were replaced by new directors. Presley said the new members were nominated from the floor at the meeting, which drew many more attendees than normal. “They showed up and voted those three people off and replaced them with the ones they wanted,” he explained, also noting that the new board members are two former Skyland employees and an AFD firefighter who works at the shared station.

The chief’s life seems poised to become less complicated when he retires. He’ll continue to volunteer with Skyland, but Presley said he’s been eager to devote more time to a joint farming venture with his son Chad Presley for some time.

Chad manages a herd of 70 black angus cattle in addition to his work as an emergency medical technician.

The younger Presley and the rest of the family plan to remain on staff at Skyland, according to Presley.

The board of directors for the organization held an emergency meeting on Aug. 3. Board President Tony Huntsinger reported that all directors attended and voted unanimously to name Cole the next chief.

Meanwhile, Hall says he’s pleased with Chief Presley’s decision. “He has had a great career and deserves to be honored for his service to his family, community, the citizens of Buncombe County and to the great state of North Carolina,” Hall says. “He has served well, and I look forward to the next chapter in Skyland’s history.”

— Able Allen X

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AUG. 9 - 15, 2017

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County commissioners mull overdose stats, Sunday alcohol sales Buncombe County Emergency Medical Services responded to 520 overdose and poisoning calls in the first six months of 2017, according to county data. The county Board of Commissioners heard those figures during an update on county efforts to combat pain pill addiction during its meeting on Aug. 1.

Meantime, those waiting for the green light on Sunday alcohol sales before noon in unincorporated areas will have to wait a bit longer.

Commissioners voted on the measure, but it will take a second vote to gain approval. And county staff informed the board that an expansion project for the transfer station is going to be more than $1 million over budget.

THE PILL PROBLEM Commissioners received an update on opioid overdoses and the county’s efforts to boost public awareness of the problem. Statistics from Buncombe County EMS show there have been about 520 responses related to overdoses and poisonings in the first half of the year. Last year, Buncombe EMS responded to about 700 calls in that category and just over 500 in 2015.

Health and Human Services Director Jim Holland told Xpress, via email: “The Overdose/Poisoning [code] is used for drug overdoses as well as accidental medication errors, household chemical exposures and other similar complaints.

There is no catchall for screening for overdoses unfortunately.”

How many of those overdoses resulted in fatalities is not yet known.

“The final determination of cause of any death is made by the attending physician or the medical examiner.

That information may not be available until several months later because of toxicology reports and final laboratory testing,” Holland said.

“We are trying to create a movement across the county where we can understand implications of this public health crisis,” said Lisa Eby, the county’s health and human services communications director.

The department is working with the medical community to explore the possibility of labeling opioid

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SOBERING STATISTICS: Data from Buncombe County EMS state that there have been about 520 responses related to overdoses and poisonings through the first half of this year. By comparison, Buncombe EMS responded to about 700 calls in that category last year and just over 500 in 2015. Graph courtesy of Buncombe County

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pills with a “Caution: highly addictive” warning, she said. County health staff is also planning faith-based and schooloriented forums on opioid addiction.

A new facility will help pregnant women and those who recently gave birth who are dealing with opioid addiction, Holland said. The 14-bedroom Abba House will be run by Western Carolina Rescue Ministries and is slated to open Sept. 1.

After Holland played two public service announcements the county created, “There was pretty close to not a dry eye in the room. … It struck at the heart of, I believe, every commissioner up here. It’s a tough message but it was delivered very well,” said Commissioner Joe Belcher.

Commissioner Ellen Frost noted a friend had recently received an 18-day supply of opioid-based pills from the hospital. “What can we do other than education to control this? Because clearly Mission is not consistent with what they do,” she said, referring to what she believes are irregular prescribing practices for pain pills.

“I’ve raised the issue with Mission Health. We have to continue to educate, educate, educate,” said Holland.

Commission Chair Brownie Newman is worried about the lack of an effective way to track the amount of pain pills prescribed in the county. “If we don’t have that information and can’t see the

trend, we are losing. We’ve got to be able to see those numbers going down,” he said.

Holland noted the state’s opioid pill tracking system is down for maintenance, largely due to concerns about accuracy.

Commissioners took no official action but asked to receive more reports on the issue in the coming months.

SUNDAY MORNING COMING DOWN The N.C. General Assembly recently approved legislation that allows cities and towns to approve the sale of alcohol before noon on Sundays, and many have already done so. Commissioners are looking to allow for such sales in unincorporated areas of the county, such as Swannanoa. The law allows for restaurants and grocery stores to sell alcohol starting at 10 a.m. but does not allow for state-run ABC stores to open.

“I would rather there be no sales at all on Sunday, but that’s not the way it is,” said Commissioner Joe Belcher. “I can’t support this, but it’s not a reflection on the businesses. It’s simply not good for families of Buncombe County.”

Commissioner Al Whitesides noted that while he believes in family time and responsibility, “I didn’t run to be the moral police.”

BUNC O MBE BE AT HQ To read all of Mountain Xpress’ coverage of city and county news, visit Buncombe Beat online at avl. mx/3b5. There you’ll find detailed recaps of government meetings the day after they happen, along with previews, in-depth stories and key information to help you stay on top of the latest city and county news. X

He added: “We have the right to make our own decisions. I might not agree with them, but that’s the American way. I believe in the principles of freedom, giving people the right to choose. I think it’s only fair so businesses will be competing on level playing field.”

Commissioner Mike Fryar weighed in that there are pros and cons to the situation, but people will likely just drive to where they can buy alcohol.

“Al, you just said it right. We’d be punishing a certain amount of people.

I was going to go no, but now I’ll probably say yes. It’s a hard one.”

And while the ordinance was approved by a 5-2 vote, with Belcher and Commissioner Robert Pressley opposed, it’s not yet the law of the land. As the county’s attorney explained to commissioners, a firsttime ordinance must be approved unanimously, or appear a second time and receive a consecutive simple majority. Commissioners agreed to place it on the Aug. 15 agenda and, barring unforeseen circumstances, will likely approve it then.

MONEY TRANSFER Buncombe County is renovating and expanding its current transfer station on Hominy Creek Road, an $8.2 million project. County Planning Director Jon Creighton said the effort is on track, but bids for concrete and other site work are coming in $1.5 million over budget. “Prices are coming in higher than anticipated. It’s the first time in my career I’ve ever said I need more money. We are borrowing from ourselves and have capacity for the extra money,” said Creighton.

Commissioners did not have any questions for Creighton and unanimously approved the additional funding. The cost of the project now stands at $9.7 million and is being paid for through the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund.

The commissioners’ next meeting is slated for Tuesday, Aug. 15.

— Dan Hesse X

NEWS BRIEFS

Youths of color get chance to visit colleges

by Max Hunt | mhunt@mountainx.com BUNCOMBE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEET AUG. 15

ABCCM LAUNCHES EXPANDED VETERAN SERVICES

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners will hold its next meeting Tuesday, Aug. 15, at 5 p.m. in commission chambers, 200 College St., Suite 326, in downtown Asheville.

The agenda for the meeting will be released Wednesday, Aug. 9, on the county’s webpage.

More info: http://avl.mx/3yg

The Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry announced it will expand its veteran services through a new network initiative, NCServes-Western.

NCServes-Western provides a coordinated support network for veterans, active service members and their families in 12 WNC counties. The network includes partnerships with over 40 regional agencies and providers of services including health care, housing, education, job training, and legal and financial counseling.

Funding for NCServesWestern comes through at two-year, $450,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation. The program is part of the national AmericaServes network; it is the fourth such network in the state, making North Carolina the most widely covered state in the nation.

The program is open to any active-duty, National Guard or Reserve Service member residing in WNC, in addition to veterans and their families.

More info: western.americaserves.org or call 855-WNC-VETS

MISSION HEALTH, AETNA SIGN MULTIYEAR AGREEMENT

INSPIRATION VACATION: Student participants in last year’s College Exploration Trip visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Photo from the 2017 College Exploration Trip GoFundMe page Higher education can be an achievable dream for all students, no matter their background. That’s the message behind a local effort to brighten the futures of disadvantaged youths.

On Sunday, Aug. 13, 40 Ashevillearea high school students and their parents will depart for a six-day tour of Northeastern colleges and universities as the 2017 College Exploration Trip hits the road. Launching the program through Positive Changes Youth Ministries in 2016, Dewana Little saw a need in the community to foster academic empowerment, specifically promoting post-high school education for minority students from low-wealth communities.

Often, college tours hosted by high schools only include large, public institutions that are within a few hours’ drive.

Instead, the College Exploration Trip will visit schools up the Atlantic seaboard such as New York University and the University of Pennsylvania along with elite private schools such as Yale and The Juilliard School. Students will also tour a number of historically black colleges and universities.

“The purpose of this trip is to give youth who would not otherwise have the opportunity to explore institutions of higher education access to all of the potential that these institutions hold and the historical reference and recre-

ational benefits of the surrounding cities and town,” Little states on the trip’s GoFundMe page.

The impact is clear from the results of the 2016 trip, which explored 15 schools between Maryland and South Carolina.

All 16 of the participating seniors graduated from high school, and nine were accepted to colleges or universities visited on the tour. The trip was inspiring enough to reach some of the adult members, as four of them subsequently began or continued their own studies.

Social media play an important part in garnering financial support for the program. As of Aug. 1, the campaign had raised $1,575 of its $30,000 goal from public contributions in its first two months. Community members left supportive comments on the campaign page such as, “I totally support these youth seeing colleges … it could change their life!” and “This is such an amazing program! I applaud you for doing this, so direct and meaningful, and excellent results!”

Vice Mayor Gwen Wisler, a contributor to the campaign, tells Xpress, “This is a great opportunity for both the students as well as the colleges which are trying to attract students of color.”

Little says all students who apply for the program are considered, with family income level taken into account. Though the trip can only accommodate 30-40 stu-

Mission Health has signed a multiyear agreement with insurance provider Aetna. Effective Oct. 1, Aetna customers who receive health care benefits through their employers will be eligible for in-network access to Mission’s hospitals, outpatient centers and employed physicians.

The agreement is the latest in Mission’s ongoing negotiations with insurance providers. Mission recently announced a similar agreement with Cigna Corp.

These agreements come as Mission Health continues its standoff with North Carolina’s largest insurance provider, Blue Cross/ Blue Shield, on the terms of a new contract. Mission has threatened to cancel its current contract with the insurance provider if the two parties can’t come to an agreement by Oct. 5.

More info: mission-health.org

OUR VOICE LAUNCHES BILINGUAL TEXT SERVICE Crisis intervention and sexual violence prevention nonprofit Our VOICE has announced the launch of a bilingual information and referral text line, for those needing information or support. The service will be offered in both English and Spanish.

Those seeking help or support can text VOICE or VOZ to 85511 to receive

dents, Little believes in the importance of the “Each One Teach One” effect. The idea is that those who take part in the trip are likely to share their experiences with their peers and friends, creating a ripple of influence, further “changing mindsets by broadening horizons

a follow-up call from an Our VOICE staff member during business hours. The text service is supported

by PreventionPays Text, a two-way texting platform used by other domestic violence and sexual assault agencies across the U.S. The organization hopes the new text service will connect more Buncombe County residents with services, and provide more access to high-risk populations.

More info: ourvoicenc.org MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS AWARDED $2.9M TO EXPAND LENDING Asheville-based nonprofit Mountain BizWorks has received three separate federal funding awards totaling $2.9 million to help expand its small-business lending programs across Western North Carolina.

The awards include a $1.25 million investment from the Small Business Administration, a $900,000 award from the U.S. Department of Treasury Community Development Financial Institutions Fund and a $750,000 investment from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

This funding will help BizWorks address a growing demand for small-business loans and services in WNC. From 2014-16, the nonprofit’s lending activity tripled from $1.1 million to $3.3 million. Over 80 percent of loans went to women, minority, rural or low-income entrepreneurs.

Mountain BizWorks plans to expand its lending capacity to $8 million over the next three years.

More info: mountainbizworks.org X

through exposure to opportunities that foster new possibilities,” Little says.

To support the 2017 College Exploration Trip, visit www.gofundme. com/PositiveChanges2017.

MOUNTAINX.COM

— Arianna Moore X AUG. 9 - 15, 2017

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR AUGUST 9 - 17, 2017

CALENDAR GUIDELINES For a full list of community calendar guidelines, please visit mountainx.com/calendar. For questions about free listings, call 251-1333, ext. 137. For questions about paid calendar listings, please call 251-1333, ext. 320.

BENEFITS APPALACHIAN BARN ALLIANCE appalachianbarns.org • SU (8/13), 3pm - Proceeds from this “A Toast to Broadway” performance by Brian Gurl & Liz Aiello benefit the Appalachian Barn Alliance. $20-$25. Held at Mars Hill University, Broyhill Chapel, 265 Cascade St., Mars Hill ASHEVILLE BOTANICAL GARDENS 151 W.T. Weaver Blvd., 828252-5190, ashevillebotanicalgardens.org • FR (8/11), 7-8:30pm Proceeds from "Yoga + Meditation in the Garden," beginner/intermediate yoga class benefit the Asheville Botanical Gardens.

Sponsored by Namaste in Nature. $19.

ASHEVILLE SISTER CITIES 828-782-8025, ashevillesistercities.org, ashevillesistercities@gmail. com • SU (8/13), 5:30pm Proceeds from "Asheville Sister Cities for Karpenisi, Greece Fundraiser," wine tasting and Greek food reception benefit the Asheville Sister Cities Committee for Karpenisi. $20. Held at Metro Wines, 169 Charlotte St. FEAST & FROLIC 828-697-8100, parkfoundation@ villageofflatrock.org • SA (8/12), 6pm - Proceeds from this reception, dinner and dancing, with live music by A Social Function, benefit the Flat Rock Park Foundation. $150. Held at the Kenmure Country Club, 100 Clubhouse Drive, Flat Rock FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF HENDERSONVILLE 204 6th Ave., West Hendersonville, 828-6934275, fumchvlnc.org

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• TH (8/10), 9am-5pm & FR (8/11), 9am-1pm - Proceeds from this large garage sale benefit First United Methodist Church community initiatives. Free to attend.

FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE BENEFIT: DARK NIGHT STUDIO 828-693-0403, flatrockplayhouse.org • MO (8/14), 6pm - Proceeds from this reception, dinner, silent auction and performance benefit the Flat Rock Playhouse. $100/$40 young professionals/$150 VIP. Held at Flat Rock Playhouse, 2661 Highway 225, Flat Rock THE CENTER FOR CRAFT, CREATIVITY AND DESIGN 67 Broadway, 828-785-1357, craftcreativitydesign.org/ • TH (8/10), 8-10pm Proceeds from "Craft After Dark," dinner, gala and hands-on crafting event honoring artist and board member Stoney Lamar benefit The Center for Craft, Creativity & Design. $50.

THE JEEP CREW thejeepcrew.org • TH (8/17), 6pm - Donations at this “Bring Your Jeep and Show it Off,” event for jeep enthusiasts benefit The Jeep Crew. Free to attend. Held at Steak n’ Shake, 11 Bett Stroud Road, Weaverville TRANSYLVANIA COMMUNITY ARTS COUNCIL tcarts@comporium.net • SU (8/13), 6-9pm - Proceeds from the "Art Spark Art Auction," al fresco Italian evening with reception, wine entertainment and auctions benefit the Transylvania Community Arts Council. $65. Held at Brevard Lumberyard, 200 King St., Brevard

BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY G&W INVESTMENT CLUB klcount@aol.com

MOUNTAINX.COM

SNAKES ALIVE: Whether you are curious, terrified or have mixed emotions about snakes, everyone can stand to learn a little bit more about these fascinating creatures. Come join a ranger on Saturday, Aug. 12, at 7 p.m. at the Linville Falls Campground Amphitheater on the Blue Ridge Parkway and explore more about what species of snakes are found locally, fun facts and what to do in case of a snake encounter. Rangers and volunteers with the Blue Ridge Parkway present a variety of interpretive programs, including campfire talks, music and history demonstrations, nature walks and slide presentations from June through October every year. For more information, visit blueridgeparkway.org (p. 19) • 3rd WEDNESDAYS, 11:45am - General meeting.

Free to attend. Held at Black Forest Restaurant, 2155 Hendersonville Road, Arden HATCH ASHEVILLE hatchavl.org • WE (8/9), noon-1pm "What is your 'Why?,'" presentation by Simon Sinek regarding value-driven businesses. Free. Held at HatchWorks, 45 S. French Broad • WE (8/16), noon-1pm "Ideation and Validating an Idea," business idea workshop. Free. Held at HatchWorks, 45 S. French Broad

CLASSES, MEETINGS & EVENTS ATTENTION PET LOVERS • THIS SATURDAY (PD.) Rodney Habib of Planet Paws headlines Dog Daze Expo, August 12 in Marshall. Learn about holistic vet practices that ensure optimal health and longevity of your pet.

Learn more! www.dogdazeexpo.com

COOKING CLASSES AT MOUNTAIN KITCHEN (PD.) • Saturday August 5: Summer vegetables: not only for vegetarians! • Saturday, August 12: Shawarma and pastries. • 6pm-9pm. More information/ registration: (917) 566-5238 or visit www.ofrishomecooking.com EMPYREAN ARTS CLASSES (PD.) BEGINNING POLE weekly on Sundays 5:45pm, Tuesdays 5:15pm, Wednesdays 5:30pm, and Thursdays 11:00am. POLE DANCE weekly on Mondays 7:45pm and Saturdays 11:30am. FLEXIBILITYCONTORTION weekly on Sundays 7:00pm, Tuesdays 8:00pm, and Thursdays 1:00pm. BREAKDANCE weekly on Fridays 6:00pm.

FLOOR THEORY weekly on Wednesdays 8:00pm.

BEGINNING AERIAL ARTS weekly on Mondays 6:30pm, Tuesdays 11:00am, and Wednesdays 11:00am. For details & sign up go to empyreanarts.org or call/text us at 828.782.3321.

ORGANIC GROWERS SCHOOL'S 4TH ANNUAL HARVEST CONFERENCE (PD.) 9/8-9/9 at Warren Wilson College. 20+ classes on fall & winter growing, fermentation, homesteading & self reliance.

Friday, pre-conference, allday, workshops. $45 by 8/6, $50 after. organicgrowersschool.org.

ASHEVILLE CHESS CLUB 828-779-0319, vincentvanjoe@gmail.com • WEDNESDAYS, 6:30pm - Sets provided. All ages and skill levels welcome.

Beginners lessons available.

Free. Held at North Asheville Recreation Center, 37 E. Larchmont Road

ASHEVILLE GREEN OPPORTUNITIES 828-398-4158, greenopportunities.org • TH (8/10), 4-6pm Community engagement social with a community resource fair, food, cooking demos, music by DJ Supaman, bounce house, face painting, and cell phones from Assurance Wireless.

Free. Held at Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Center, 285 Livingston St. ASHEVILLE NEWCOMERS CLUB ashevillenewcomersclub.com • 2nd MONDAYS, 9:30am Monthly meeting for women new to Asheville. Free to attend.

ASHEVILLE TAROT CIRCLE meetup.com/Asheville-TarotCircle/ • 2nd SUNDAYS, noon General meeting. Free to attend. Held at Firestorm Cafe and Books, 610 Haywood Road BUNCOMBE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES buncombecounty.org/ governing/depts/library • WEDNESDAYS (8/9), (8/23), (9/6) & (9/13) - Spanish conversation group. Registration required. Free. Held at Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St.

ASHEVILLE DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION

ASHEVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT

DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL RESOURCES WESTERN OFFICE 176 Riceville Road, 828-2967230 • FR (8/11), 4-6pm - Five year anniversary celebration. Free.

828-251-9973, ashevilledowntown.org • WE (8/16), 6pm - Re-launch initiative of the Asheville Urban Trail’s new visual identity and logo and educational materials. Free. Held at The Collider, 1 Haywood St., Suite 401

828-259-5881, ashevillenc.gov/Departments/ Police • Through TH (9/7) - Open registration for the Asheville Police Department’s Fall Citizens Police Academy.

Registration: bit.ly/2uVozmf.

Free.

DISABILITY PARTNERS 108 New Leicester Highway, 828-298-1977, disabilitypartners.org • FR (8/11), 2-4:30pm - "How to Deal with Rude People," presentation followed by a potluck hot dog dinner. Bring a side dish, desert or drinks

to share. Information: 828-2981877. Free.

HENDERSON COUNTY LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS lwvhcnc.org • 3rd THURSDAYS, 4-6pm General meeting. Free. Held at Hendersonville Chamber of Commerce, 204 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville HENDERSON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 301 N. Washington St., Hendersonville, 828-697-4725 • 3rd TUESDAYS, 2-4pm Apple Users Support Group.

Free.

HOMINY VALLEY RECREATION PARK 25 Twin Lakes Drive, Candler, 828-242-8998, hvrpsports.com • 3rd THURSDAYS, 7pm Hominy Valley board meeting.

Free.

LEICESTER COMMUNITY CENTER 2979 New Leicester Highway, Leicester, 828-774-3000, facebook.com/Leicester.

Community.Center • 3rd THURSDAYS, 7pm - The Leicester History Gathering general meeting. Free.

OLLI AT UNCA 828-251-6140, olliasheville.com • FR (8/11), 5-6:30pm - "Death Cafe," discussion about death facilitated by Karen Sanders, Greg Lathrop and Sa’id Osio of Third Messenger. Free. Held at UNC-Asheville Reuter Center, 1 Campus View Road ONTRACK WNC 50 S. French Broad Ave., 828255-5166, ontrackwnc.org • WE (7/12), 5:30-7pm "Budgeting and Debt Class."

Registration required. Free.

PUBLIC EVENTS AT WCU 828-227-7397, bardoartscenter.edu • TH (8/10), 10:30am-noon - Public forum regarding a potential Morganton branch for the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics.

Free. Held at WCU Health and Human Sciences Building, 3971 Little Savannah Road, Cullowhee SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE showingupforracialjustice.org • 3rd TUESDAYS, 7pm Coalition building session. Free.

Held at Kairos West Community Center, 604 Haywood Road TARHEEL PIECEMAKERS QUILT CLUB tarheelpiecemakers.wordpress. com/

• WE (8/9), 10am - General meeting and program, "Making a Jacket from a Sweatshirt."

Free. Held at Balfour United Methodist Church, 2567 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville VETERANS FOR PEACE 828-490-1872, VFP099.org • 3rd TUESDAYS, 6:30 - 8:00PM - General meeting. Free to attend. Held at Center for Art & Spirit at St. George, 1 School Road

DANCE DANCE WORKSHOP (PD.) Learn the Romantic NightclubTwo, Level Two. • Saturday, August 12, 1-3pm. Cathedral of All Souls, Biltmore Village.

2 hour Workshop with World Champions Richard and Sue Cicchetti. For information: 828333-0715. naturalrichard@mac. com • www.DanceForLife.net EXPERIENCE ECSTATIC DANCE! (PD.) Dance waves hosted by Asheville Movement Collective.

Fun and personal/community transformation. • Fridays, 7pm, Terpsicorps Studios, 1501 Patton Avenue. • Sundays, 8:30am and 10:30am, JCC, 236 Charlotte Street. Sliding scale fee. Information: ashevillemovementcollective. org POLE FITNESS AND DANCE CLASSES AT DANCECLUB ASHEVILLE (PD.) Pole Dance, Burlesque, Jazz/ Funk, Flashmobs! Drop in for a class or sign up for a series: • Monday: 5:15-Adv. Beg. Spin Pole, 6:30-Sexy Chair Series, 6:30-Stretchy Flexy, 7:30-Adv. Beg. Pole • Tuesday: 12PM-Pole $10, 5:30-Pole, 6:30-Jazz/Funk Series, 7:30-Pole • Wednesday: 5:30-Pole, 6:30-Pole Tricks, 7:30Pole • Thursday: 5:30-Jazz/Funk Series, 6:30-Exotic Poleography, 7:30-Beg. Spin Pole • Friday: 11-Open Pole, 12-Floor Play • Saturday: 1:30-Intro/Beg. Pole $15. Visit the website to learn more: DanceclubAsheville.com 828-275-8628 - Right down the street from UNCA - 9 Old Burnsville Hill Rd., #3 SQUARE DANCE WITH THE CAROLINA EXPRESS AT HICKORY NUT GAP FARM (PD.) Friday, August 11th 6-9pm.

Wear your dancing shoes! $6.

Kids under 5 free. Dinner & drinks available.

STUDIO ZAHIYA, DOWNTOWN DANCE CLASSES (PD.) Monday 9am Yoga Wkt 12pm Barre Wkt 4pm Dance and Define Wkt 5pm Bellydance Drills 6pm Hip Hop Wkt 6pm Bellydance Special Topics 7pm Classical Ballet Series 8pm Tribal Bellydance Series 8pm Lyrical Series • Tuesday 9am Hip Hop Wkt 12pm Sculpt-Beats Wkt 5pm Modern Movement 6pm Intro to Bellydance 7pm Bellydance 2 8pm Advanced Bellydance • Wednesday 5pm Hip Hop Wkt 5pm Bollywood 6pm Bhangra Series 7pm Tahitian Series 8pm Jazz Series • Thursday 9am Hip Hop Wkt 12pm Sculpt-beats Wkt 4pm Girls Hip Hop 5pm Teens Hip Hop 6pm Bellydance Drills 7pm Advanced Contemporary 8pm West Coast Swing Series • Saturday 9:30am Hip Hop Wkt 10:45 Buti Yoga Wkt • Sunday 11am Yoga Wkt • $13 for 60 minute classes, Wkt $6. 90 1/2 N. Lexington Avenue. www.studiozahiya.com :: 828.242.7595 HENDERSONVILLE STREET DANCING 828-693-9708, historichendersonville.org • MO (8/14), 7-9pm - Outdoor event featuring Bobby and Blue Ridge Tradition bluegrass music and the Mountain Thunder Cloggers. Free. Held at Hendersonville Visitor Center, 201 S. Main St., Hendersonville SENIOR OPPORTUNITY CENTER 36 Grove St. • THURSDAYS, 1pm - Beginner line dance classes. $5.

• TUESDAYS, 8am - Zumba dance exercise class. $8.

FOOD & BEER ASHEVILLE WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL (PD.) Savor the mountains like never before...at the Asheville Wine & Food Festival right downtown in Pack Square Park on Friday Aug 18 & Saturday Aug 19.

Tickets & info: www.ashevillewineandfood.com FAIRVIEW WELCOME TABLE fairviewwelcometable.com • THURSDAYS, 11:30am-1pm - Community lunch. Admission by donation. Held at Fairview Christian Fellowship, 596 Old Us Highway 74, Fairview LEICESTER COMMUNITY CENTER 2979 New Leicester Highway, Leicester, 828-774-3000, facebook.com/Leicester.Community.

Center

• 3rd TUESDAYS, 2:30-3:30pm - Manna FoodBank distribution, including local produce. Free.

• WEDNESDAYS, 11:30am-1pm - Welcome Table meal. Free.

MALAPROP'S BOOKSTORE AND CAFE 55 Haywood St., 828-254-6734, malaprops.com • TH (8/17), 3pm - Harry Rosenblum presents his book, Vinegar Revival: Artisanal Recipes for Brightening Dishes and Drinks with Homemade Vinegars. Free to attend.

N.C. ARBORETUM 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, 828-665-2492, ncarboretum.org • 3rd THURSDAYS, 6-8pm Proceeds from "Wine in the Garden" wine tasting and music series benefit the N.C. Arboretum. $30/$27 members.

GOVERNMENT & POLITICS BLUE RIDGE REPUBLICAN WOMEN’S CLUB facebook.com/BRRWC • 2nd THURSDAYS, 6pm General meeting with presentation by Dr. Timothy Daughtry, clinical psychologist and conservative writer and speaker. Free to attend. Held at Gondolier Restaurant, 1360 Tunnel Road.

BUNCOMBE COUNTY REPUBLICAN WOMEN'S CLUB 828-243-6590 • TH (8/10), 11:30am-1:30pm - "The Republican 'Brand' and How to Market Conservatism," meeting with keynote speech by Savannah Nesbitt.

Registration: lisabaldwin4kids@ gmail.com. Free to attend. Held at Olive Garden, 121 Tunnel Road SHILOH COMMUNITY CENTER 121 Shiloh Road • WE (8/9), 6-7:30pm "Community Meet & Greet," Shiloh Precincts 8.2 and 8.3 in conversation with the candidate for the House of Representatives for the 10th Congressional District, Kenneth Queen. Free.

KIDS ASHEVILLE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE 43 Patton Ave., 828-254-7162, colburnmuseum.org • 2nd & 4th FRIDAYS, 9-9:45am - "Little Explorers Club," guided activities and free play for preschoolers. $3.50 per child/Free for caregivers.

BLUE RIDGE BOOKS 152 S. Main St., Waynesville • SA (8/13), 3pm - Joan Barris presents her kids book, The King of Underpants Street. Free to attend.

BUNCOMBE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES buncombecounty.org/ governing/depts/library • 2nd WEDNESDAYS, 4-5pm "After School Art Adventures," guided art making for school age children with the Asheville Art Museum. Free. Held at Leicester Library, 1561 Alexander Road, Leicester • TH (8/10), 3pm - Storytelling

by Donna Washington. Free.

Held at Weaverville Public Library, 41 N. Main St., Weaverville • TH (8/11), 4-6pm - Practice reading with J.R., the therapy dog. For ages up to 12.

Registration required: 828-2504752. Held at North Asheville Library, 1030 Merrimon Ave. • FR (8/11), 4pm - Teen cosplay club for ages 12 and up. Snacks provided. Free. Held at EnkaCandler Library, 1404 Sandhill Road, Candler • MONDAYS, 10:30am - "Mother Goose Time," storytime for 4-18 month olds. Free. Held at Skyland/ South Buncombe Library, 260 Overlook Road • MONDAYS, 10:30am Spanish story time for children of all ages. Free. Held at EnkaCandler Library, 1404 Sandhill Road, Candler • MO (8/14), 4-5pm - "LEGO Club," for ages 5 and up.

LEGOs provided. Free. Held at Weaverville Public Library, 41 N. Main St., Weaverville • TH (8/17), 11am "EcoExplore BUGS!" Outdoor bug hunt for kids with the WNC Arboretum. Free. Held at Swannanoa Library, 101 West Charleston St., Swannanoa CARL SANDBURG HOME NHS 1800 Little River Road, Flat Rock, 828-693-4178 • WEDNESDAYS & FRIDAYS until (8/11), 10:15am - Spink, Skabootch and Swipes, live performance. Free.

• THURSDAYS & SATURDAYS until (8/12), 10:15am - Rootabaga Express, live performance. Free.

DANCING BEAR TOYS 518 Kenilworth Road, 828-2558697, dancingbeartoys.com • SA (8/12), noon - "Social Justice League: Protect the Earth," presentations and activities for kids by MountainTrue.

For ages 5-10. Free to attend.

New Season of Classes starting August 21st!

Join our Family of dancers!

Supportive Studio setting.

Register today to reserve your dancer’s class placement.

Class sizes Limited.

For more information, visit ideafactoryinc.org

828-277-4010

3726 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden, NC 28704

MOUNTAINX.COM

AUG. 9 - 15, 2017

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C O N S C I O U S PA R T Y

B A C K T O S C H O O L sale

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Ashevilleʼs headquarters for school band instruments, accessories and repairs

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Students save 10% Sa l e e n d s Au g u st 3 1 st

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Craft After Dark

Mon.–Fri. 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m.

Sat. 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

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STRIKE A POSE: Event-goers bust a move on the dance floor during the Center for Craft, Creativity and Design’s 20th anniversary event last year. The upcoming Craft After Dark fundraiser will have a very similar feel, says Lauren Pelletier, CCCD marketing and development coordinator, with a photo booth, dance floor and live music in the basement and drinks, dessert and demonstrations scattered throughout the building. Photo courtesy of CCCD WHAT: An after-party to benefit the Center for Craft, Creativity and Design WHEN: Thursday, August 10, 8-10 p.m.

WHERE: 67 Broadway WHY: Following the Center for Craft, Creativity and Design’s fundraising dinner, the public is invited to attend Craft After Dark: an after-party and open house showcasing exhibits and local artistic talent.

Eight artists will lead visitors through hands-on demonstrations, including wood block quilt demos and woodturned cocktail muddlers, says Lauren Pelletier, marketing and development coordinator at CCCD. “It’s going to be really engaging — we don’t have too many hands-on opportunities here. The workshops were something really created by the artists.

They really came up with this whole idea,” Pelletier says.

In addition to the craft workshops, CCCD’s current exhibition, Tie Up, Draw Down will be open for viewing, there will be open cocktail lounges 18

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with unlimited drinks and desserts, photo booths, dance floor and live music in the basement.

The overarching theme of the night is mentorship, Pelletier explains, as the dinner honors longtime mentor, artist and CCCD board member Stoney Lamar.

“Stoney’s really been mentoring this next generation, so that’s sort of been the whole flavor and theme of this event,” she says. “And they really bring that out with the artists who are participating — that there are established artists who are mentoring younger artists, some of these younger artists have been mentored by Stoney — so it’s really them honoring him in different ways.”

Craft After Dark will occur from 8-10 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 10. Tickets are $50 for artists and young professionals, $100 for general public. All food and drink is included. Visit https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/craft-after-darktickets for more information. X

C OMMU N IT Y CA L EN D AR FLETCHER LIBRARY 120 Library Road, Fletcher, 828-687-1218, library.hendersoncountync. org • WEDNESDAYS, 10:30am - Family story time. Free.

GIRL SCOUTS 828-989-7850, girlscoutsp2p.org, mindy. smith09@gmail.com • TH (8/10), 9am-7pm "National S’mores Day," drop-in informational event with games, activities and s'mores. Free.

Held at Girl Scouts of America, Asheville, 31 College Place, Building C, Asheville HANDS ON! A CHILDREN'S GALLERY 318 N. Main St., Hendersonville, 828-6978333 • WE (8/9), 10:30am12:30pm - "Don’t Try This At Home!" Chemistry activities for ages 7-11.

Registration required. $25/$20 members.

• Through FR (8/11), 10am-4pm -"Play a Pipe Piano!" activities for children. Admission fees apply.

• TH (8/10), 10:30am12:30pm - "Maker Space!" Activities for ages 7-11. Registration required. $25/$20 members.

• TH (8/10), 11am-noon - "Blue Ridge Humane

by Abigail Griffin

Day!" Animal activity and guest animal. Admission fees apply.

• FR (8/11), 10:30am-noon - "Royal Tea Party," tea party activities for ages 3-6. Registration required. $20/$15 members.

• TU (8/15) through FR (8/18), 10am-3:30pm "Orbiting Objects!" Solar eclipse oriented activities for all ages. Admission fees apply.

HISTORIC JOHNSON FARM 3346 Haywood Road, Hendersonville, 828-8916585, historicjohnsonfarm.org • TH (8/10), 10:20am Teddy Bear Tea Party for 3-6 year olds. Events features tea time, snacks, games, stories and a photo booth for kids and their teddy bear friend.

Registration required: 828-891-6585. $5.

J.E. BROYHILL CIVIC CENTER 1913 Hickory Blvd SE., Lenior, broyhillcenter.com • TH (8/10) through SA (8/12), 7:30pm - Jack Tales, performance presented by Foothills Performing Arts. $16.25/$9 students & children.

MALAPROP'S BOOKSTORE AND CAFE 55 Haywood St., 828-2546734, malaprops.com

• WEDNESDAYS, 10am - Miss Malaprop's Story Time for ages 3-9. Free to attend.

SPELLBOUND CHILDREN'S BOOKSHOP 640 Merrimon Ave., #204, 828-708-7570, spellboundchildrensbookshop.com • SA (8/12), 11am "Fostering Love Story Time," storytime with books focused on foster families. For ages 3 and up. Free to attend.

SWANNANOA VALLEY MUSEUM 223 W State St., Black Mountain, 828-669-9566, history.swannanoavalleymuseum.org • 2nd & 4th SATURDAYS, 2-4pm - Historically oriented crafts and activities for children. Free to attend.

OUTDOORS GET KRAZY WITH KUDZU AT CHIMNEY ROCK (PD.) Discover the many uses of kudzu at Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park’s Krazy with Kudzu festival on Saturday, August 12, from 11am3pm. More info, visit chimneyrockpark.com

INLINE HOCKEY REGISTRATION (PD.) Sign ups open for fall season of Inline Hockey at Carrier Park. Free registration for new youth players. New division created in adult league.

Information at www.ashevillehockey.org

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY HIKES 828-298-5330, nps.gov • FR (8/11), 10am - Hike of the Week: “Walking the Big Butt," ranger-led, moderate, 3.2 mile round trip hike on the Big Butt Trail to Point Misery.

Free. Meet at MP 359.8

DIAMOND BRAND OUTDOORS IN PARKWAY CENTER 1378 Hendersonville Road Asheville, 828-6846262, diamondbrand.com • WE (8/9), 6-7pm - Ben Anderson presents his book, Smokies Chronicle.

Free to attend.

ASHEVILLE DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY RANGER PROGRAMS

828-251-9973, ashevilledowntown.org • WEDNESDAYS, 6-7pm - "LEAF Global Citizen’s Dance and Art Series," outdoor event featuring public dance workshops by visual and performing artists plus craft activities at the Easel Rider mobile art lab. Free. Held at Pritchard Park, 4 College St. • Tuesdays through (8/29), 5:30-7:30pm - "Asheville Hoop Jam," outdoor event hosted by Asheville Hoops, featuring hula hooping and music.

Bring your own hula or borrow a demo. Free.

Held at Pritchard Park, 4 College St.

828-295-3782, ggapio@gmail.com • SA (8/12), 7pm "Snakes Alive," ranger presentation about snakes and snake encounters. Free. Held at Linville Falls Campground Amphitheater, MP 316

MOUNTAINTRUE 828-258-8737, mountaintrue.org • SA (8/12), 2-8pm Guided trip down the French Broad River that ends with beer tasting.

Registration includes shuttle, raft trip, beer and raffle ticket. $25/$10 if you provide your own boat. Held at Oskar Blues Brewery, 342 Mountain Industrial Drive Brevard

ASHEVILLE OUTLETS 800 Brevard Road, shopashevilleoutlets.com • WEDNESDAYS through (9/17), 7:30-9am - Healthy Hikers Walkers Club.

Free.

CHIMNEY ROCK PARK 1638 Chimney Rock Park Road, Chimney Rock, 828-625-4688 • SA (8/12), 11am-3pm - "Krazy with Kudzu," ranger presentations about kudzu with goats, live music and kudzu food products and crafts.

Admission fees apply.

PISGAH ASTRONOMICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE 1 PARI Drive, Rosman, 828-862-5554, pari.edu • FR (8/11), 7pm - “The Eclipse of a Lifetime,” presentation about the upcoming colar eclipse,

tour and celestial observations. Registration required. $20/$15 seniors & military/$5 children.

presentations. Free to attend. Held at Ecusta Brewery, 36 E Main St., Brevard

PISGAH CENTER FOR WILDLIFE EDUCATION 1401 Fish Hatchery Road, Pisgah Forest, 828877-4423 • SA (8/12), 9am-noon - "Fly Tying for the Beginner," fly fishing workshop for ages 12 and up. Registration required. Free.

• SA (8/12), 10am1pm - "Introduction to Tenkara," workshop for ages 14 and up.

Registration required.

Free.

• TU (8/15) & WE (8/16), 6-9pm - Hunter education course. Mandatory course for hunters in North Carolina.

Registration required.

Free.

PUBLIC EVENTS AT WCU 828-227-7397, bardoartscenter.edu • SA (8/12), 8pm-sunrise - WCU academic department meteor shower viewing at Waterrock Knob. Held at MP 451.2, Blue Ridge Parkway

PISGAH CHAPTER OF TROUT UNLIMITED pisgahchaptertu. org/New-Meetinginformation.html • 2nd THURSDAYS, 7pm - General meeting and

SENIOR OPPORTUNITY CENTER 36 Grove St. • WEDNESDAYS, 8am - Walking club for adults of all ages.

Information: 828-3502062. Free.

PARENTING HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2443 Spartanburg Highway, East Flat Rock • Through WE (9/27) Open registration for a foster parent training class with the Henderson County Department of

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AUG. 9 - 15, 2017

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C OMMU N IT Y CA L EN D AR

Social Services. Training begins on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 6-9pm.

Registration: 828-6946252 or families4kids@ hendersoncountydss. org.

PUBLIC LECTURES BUNCOMBE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES buncombecounty.org/ governing/depts/library • TH (8/10), 5:30pm Female Authors Writing America Between the World Wars: Lecture

by Lucinda MacKethan regarding Ellen Glasgow and her novel Barren Ground. Free.

Held at West Asheville Library, 942 Haywood Road • MO (8/14), 6pm "Explore the Solar Eclipse," presentation by physicist Dr. Michael Ruiz. Free eclipse viewing glasses available.

Free. Held at North Asheville Library, 1030 Merrimon Ave.

by Abigail Griffin

• TH (8/17), 1pm "What’s So Special About the Eclipse?"

Presentation about the upcoming solar eclipse. Free. Held at Black Mountain Public Library, 105 N. Dougherty St., Black Mountain MACON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 149 Siler Farm Road, Franklin • TH (8/10), 7pm Presentation about naturalist William Bartram

by Brent Martin of the NC Bartram Trail Society. Free.

WCQS 73 Broadway, wcqs.org • SA (8/12), 6pm Second Saturdays for Science: "Beer, Burps & Greenhouse Gases," presentation by Rusty Bryant, Ph.D. regarding craft yeast and hops and the potential reduction of methane production by cows.

Bring your own beverages and snacks. Free.

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AUG. 9 - 15, 2017

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Send your event listings to calendar@mountainx.com

SENIORS JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES OF WNC, INC. 2 Doctors Park, Suite E • TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS, 11am-2pm - The Asheville Elder Club group respite program for individuals with memory challenges and people of all faiths. Registration required: 828-253-2900. $30.

• WEDNESDAYS, 11am2pm - The Hendersonville Elder Club group respite for individuals with memory challenges and people of all faiths. Registration required: 828-253-2900. $30. Held at Agudas Israel Congregation, 505 Glasgow Lane, Hendersonville MONTFORD RECREATION CENTER 34 Pearson Drive, 800365-3811 • THURSDAYS, 9:30am - Senior softball.

Information: mtrinite1@ gmail.com. Free.

SPIRITUALITY 2017 WNC COPTIC CONFERENCE (PD.) Embracing Inner Peace, A Gathering of Light Workers. August 25, 2pm-8pm; August 26, 8:30am-5:30pm. Join us for the 2017 Coptic Conference at Blue Ridge Community College. • On Friday August 26, 2pm8pm, Personal Service Providers will be available for healing services and readings and there will be a bookstore, gift shop.

• On Saturday, August 26, 8:30am-5:30pm, conference presenters will include James Twyman, New York Times bestselling author, musician and "Peace Troubadour", Victoria Johnson, international shamanic arts practitioner, teacher and facilitator, Rob Wergin, nationally recognized clairvoyant, clairsentient, clairaudient and healer, Barb and Bob Huttinga, Coptic Ministers, author, counselors, educators, facilitators and healers, John Davis, esoteric psychologist, Egyptologist, author, numerologist, director of Coptic Fellowship International and president of Spiritual Unity

of Nations. A catered lunch will be available on Saturday. • To register go to www.copticwnc2017. com or call Lori France at (828) 676- 2977. Everyone welcome! Love offering.

Asheville, 797 Haywood Rd. (“Hops and Vines” building, lower level), Asheville NC 28806, 828254-6775. (free event). www.eckankar-nc.org

ABOUT THE TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION TECHNIQUE • FREE INTRODUCTORY TALK (PD.) Deep within everyone is a wellspring of peace, energy and happiness. With proper instruction anyone can effortlessly transcend the busy or agitated mind and directly experience that rejuvenating inner source. Learn how TM is different from mindfulness, watching your breath, common mantra meditation and everything else.

NIH-sponsored research shows deep revitalizing rest, reduced stress and anxiety, improved brain functioning and heightened well-being.

Thursday, 6:30-7:30pm, Asheville TM Center 165 E. Chestnut. 828254-4350. TM.org or MeditationAsheville.org

Children and adult(s) practice mindfulness meditation, discuss principles, and engage in fun games. The 3rd Saturday monthly. 10:30am – 11:30. Asheville Insight Meditation, 175 Weaverville Road, Asheville, 828-808-4444, ashevillemeditation.com.

ASHEVILLE INSIGHT MEDITATION (PD.) Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation.

Learn how to get a Mindfulness Meditation practice started.

1st & 3rd Mondays.

7pm – 8:30. Asheville Insight Meditation, 175 Weaverville Road, Suite H, ASHEVILLE, NC, (828) 808-4444, www.ashevillemeditation. com ASTRO-COUNSELING (PD.) Licensed counselor and accredited professional astrologer uses your chart when counseling for additional insight into yourself, your relationships and life directions. Readings also available. Christy Gunther, MA, LPC. (828) 258-3229.

EXPERIENCE THE SACRED SOUND OF HU (PD.) In our fast-paced world, are you looking to find more inner peace? Singing HU can lift you into a higher state of consciousness, so that you can discover, in your own way, who you are and why you’re here. • Sunday, August 13, 2017, 11am, fellowship follows. Eckankar Center of

FAMILY MEDITATION (PD.)

HEARTSONG: BUILDING COMMUNITIES OF PRACTICE (PD.) Sunday, August 13, 2pm.

Whether you’re in a small church with limited resources, or in a larger place looking for a way to help your community find and/or build its collective voice, learn to play together, say yes to Spirit, and be transformed, HeartSong is the workshop that will enable you to deepen your community of practice through the shared creation of sound and silence. We will listen deeply to the spirit within and reclaim the joy of group learning. Event will be held at The Namaste Center, 2700 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock, NC. www.anahernandez.org OPEN HEART MEDITATION (PD.) Now at 70 Woodfin Place, Suite 212. Tuesdays 7-8pm. Experience the stillness and beauty of connecting to your heart and the Divine within you.

Suggested $5 donation.

OpenHeartMeditation. com SHAMANIC JOURNEY INTO DREAMTIME WITH JOHN DUMAS (PD.) Wednesday, August 9, 6:30pm. John Dumas, M.S., is an internationally renowned musician, shamanic astrologer, inspirational teacher, and pioneer in sound healing.

He performs concerts and leads workshops and retreats internationally with his unique handcrafted flutes and didgeridoos.

John has developed a unique sound therapy/ healing ceremony that is titled “Shamanic Journey Into Dreamtime.” This voyage into the dreamtime is an experiential interactive sound therapy that facilitates the healing of our mind, body and spirit. With the intention of love and compassion, John opens the doorway into the dreamtime, an altered state of time and space, producing awakened dreaming. www. johndumas.com

SHAMBHALA MEDITATION CENTER (PD.) Wednesdays, 10pmmidnight • Thursdays, 7-8:30pm and Sundays, 10-noon • Meditation and community. By donation.

60 N. Merrimon Ave., #113, (828) 200-5120. asheville.shambhala.org CENTER FOR ART & SPIRIT AT ST. GEORGE 1 School Road, 828-2580211 • 3rd SATURDAYS, 7:30-9:30pm - "Dances of Universal Peace," spiritual group dances that blend chanting, live music and movement.

No experience necessary.

Admission by donation.

FIRESTORM CAFE AND BOOKS 610 Haywood Road, 828255-8115 • 2nd SUNDAYS, 2:30pm - Pagans for a Just Asheville, general meeting. Free to attend.

GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH 1245 6th Ave W, Hendersonville, 828-6934890, gracelutherannc. com • 2nd FRIDAYS, 1-2pm Non-denominational healing prayer group. Free.

• WE (8/16), 5:30pm - Cross-generational potluck supper and worship.

Bring a dish to share.

Free.

MALAPROP'S BOOKSTORE AND CAFE 55 Haywood St., 828-2546734, malaprops.com • FR (8/11), 7pm - Linda Star Wolf presents her book, Soul Whispering: The Art of Awakening Shamanic Consciousness.

Free to attend.

MARY WHITESIDES: GATHERING OF FRIENDS dolly3695@aol.com • FR (8/11), 7-9pm - "The Melting of Attention," non-duality gathering including a silent sitting, talk and question and answer session.

Free. Held at Asheville Women's Wellness & Education Center, 24 Arlington St. URBAN DHARMA 828-225-6422, udharmanc.com/ • THURSDAYS, 7:30-9pm - Open Sangha night.

Free. Held at Urban Dharma, 29 Page Ave, Asheville

SPOKEN & WRITTEN WORD BLUE RIDGE BOOKS 152 S. Main St., Waynesville • Through TH (8/24) Authors accepted for vending spots at the Home Grown Author Fair.

Information: kolsen@haywoodnc.net.

BUNCOMBE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES buncombecounty.org/ governing/depts/library • WE (8/9), 12:30-1:30pm - Nancy Werking Poling presents her book, Before It Was Legal: a black-white marriage (1945-1987). Free. Held at Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St. • SA (8/12), 3pm - West Asheville Book Club: The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle

by Haruki Murakami.

Free. Held at West Asheville Library, 942 Haywood Road • TH (8/17), 7pm "WORD” with Sheila Arnold Jones: Folktales, Fairy Tales and Social Justice," storytelling event. Free. Held at Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St. FIRESTORM CAFE AND BOOKS 610 Haywood Road, 828255-8115 • WE (8/9), 7-8:30pm Female Authors Writing America Book Club: Barren Ground by Ellen Glasgow. Free to attend.

• 3rd THURSDAYS, 6:30pm - Queer Women's Book Club. Free to attend.

FLETCHER LIBRARY 120 Library Road, Fletcher, 828-687-1218, library.hendersoncountync.org • 2nd THURSDAYS, 10:30am - Book Club.

Free.

• 2nd THURSDAYS, 1:30pm - Writers' Guild.

Free.

HENDERSON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 301 N. Washington St., Hendersonville, 828-6974725 • TH (8/15), 6pm - "Mills River Is My Place," music and storytelling event with the Brittain Family.

Free.

MALAPROP'S BOOKSTORE AND CAFE 55 Haywood St., 828-2546734, malaprops.com • WE (8/9), 7pm - Joe Berkowitz presents his book, Away with Words: And Irreverent Tour through the World of Pun Competitions. Free to attend.

• TH (8/10), 7pm Christopher Swann presents his novel, Shadow of the Lions. Free to attend.

• FR (8/11) & SA (8/12), 4-5pm - "Poetry on Request," crafted poems by local poets. Free to attend.

• SU (8/13), 3-5pm “Change the Story – An Altered Book," workshop to alter a page from a faerie tale with Cathy Nichols of Storytelling Art Studio. Children 8 and over are welcome. Free to attend.

• MO (8/14), 7pm Christopher Blake pres-

ents his book, River of Cliffs: A Linville Gorge History. Free to attend.

• WE (8/16), 6pm "Teach-In," event with author Nancy Maclean discussing her book, Democracy in Chains: The Deep History of the Radical Right's Stealth Plan for America. Free to attend.

• TH (8/17), 7pm - Dawn Reno Langley presents her book, The Mourning Parade. Free to attend.

SWANNANOA VALLEY MUSEUM 223 W State St., Black Mountain, 828-669-9566, history.swannanoavalleymuseum.org • FR (8/11), 11:30am Appalachian History Book Club: The Ballad of Tom Dooley: A Ballad Novel,

by Sharon McCrumb.

Free.

SYNERGY STORY SLAM avl.mx/0gd • WE (8/9), 7:30pm Monthly storytelling open mic on the theme "waves." Free to attend.

Held at Odditorium, 1045 Haywood Road THE WRITER'S WORKSHOP 387 Beaucatcher Road, 828-254-8111, twwoa.org • Through WE (8/30) Submissions accepted for the Literary Fiction Contest. Contact for full guidelines.

THOMAS WOLFE MEMORIAL 52 North Market St., 828253-8304, wolfememorial.com • SA (8/12), 2pm "Writers at Wolfe," author Paula Gallant Eckard, discusses, Thomas Wolfe and Lost Children in Southern Literature. Free.

TRYON ARTS AND CRAFTS SCHOOL 373 Harmon Field Road, Tryon, 828-859-8323 • Through FR (9/1) Submissions accepted for the "ApparitionistNational Ghost Story Competition." Contact for full guidelines.

VOLUNTEERING TUTOR ADULTS IN NEED WITH THE LITERACY COUNCIL (PD.) Dedicate two hours a week to tutoring an immigrant who wants to learn English or with an Englishspeaking adult who has low literacy skills. Sign up for volunteer orientation on 8/23 (5:30 pm) or 8/24 (9:00 am) by emailing volunteers@litcouncil.com. www.litcouncil.com.

AURORA STUDIO & GALLERY 828-335-1038, aurorastudio-gallery.com • TH (8/17), 6:30pm Volunteer orientation for the Aurora Studio &

Gallery. Registration: aurorastudio@hotmail. com. Held at West Asheville Community Center, 970 Haywood Road EAST COAST MIGRANT HEAD START 2 Sugarhill Drive, Hendersonville • TUESDAYS through (10/3), 5-7:30pm Volunteers needed to assist with watching children while Latino parents learn English.

Registration: leah.charbonneau@dpi.nc.gov.

HANDS ON ASHEVILLEBUNCOMBE 2-1-1, handsonasheville. org • SA (8/12), 9:30am-noon - Volunteer to assist with unpacking and pricing in a nonprofit, fair-trade retail store. Registration required.

• SA (8/12), 10:30amnoon - Volunteer to help create book packages for people recently placed in new housing

by Homeward Bound of Asheville. Registration required.

HOMEWARD BOUND OF WNC 218 Patton Ave., 828258-1695, homewardboundwnc.org

• THURSDAYS, 11am - "Welcome Home Tour," tours to find out how Homeward Bound is working to end homelessness and how the public can help.

Registration required: tours@ homewardboundwnc. org. Free.

HORSE SENSE OF THE CAROLINAS 6919 Meadows Town Road, Marshall • SA (8/12), noon-1:30pm - Volunteer orientation, tour, demonstrations and introduction to therapeutic horsemanship. Free.

ORGANICFEST organicfest.org • Through SU (8/27) Volunteers needed for this outdoor festival taking place on Sunday, August 27, 2017.

Registration: celebrate@ organicfest.org or Organicfest.org. Held at Pack Square Park, 121 College St. PARKWAY PLAYHOUSE 13 Green Mountain Drive, Burnsville, 828682-4285, parkwayplayhouse.com • SA (8/12), 10am Volunteer to help with upcoming renovation

project. Appropriate for ages 15 and up.

TRAUMA INTERVENTION PROGRAM OF WNC 828-513-0498, tipofwnc.org • Through TH (9/28) Open registration for a ten-day training academy for those interested in volunteering as part of a team of volunteers who provide immediate emotional and practical support to survivors of traumatic events.

Academy takes place Thursday, Sept. 28 through Saturday, Oct. 7.

For information or registration: 828-513-0498.

UNITED WAY OF HENDERSON COUNTY 828-692-1636, liveunitedhc.org • Through FR (8/11) Register to volunteer for the annual Day of Action.

Volunteers are needed to work on projects at each of Henderson County's 25 schools and learning centers on Friday, August 18. Registration: liveunitedhc.org.

WALK TO END ALZHEIMER'S tinyurl.com/zmfy7qq • MO (8/14), 10am-3pm - Volunteers needed to distribute marketing

Are You Looking for Fullor Part-Time Work?

Join Us for the 2 nd Experience Works!

Job Fair for Job Seekers Age 50+

This job fair is designed specifically for 50-plus job seekers who bring talent, skills, dependability and experience to the job.

Attend the Prep Session from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and talk with a variety of employers from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

To sign up for the prep session and/or for more information, call the NCWorks Career Center at 828-251-6200*.

A list of employers attending will be available on August 14.

materials for the Walk to End Alzheimers. T-shirt provided. Registration and information: DYoung@alz.org or 828-398-5780. Held at Alzheimer's Association Asheville Office, 31 College Place Ste. D103 WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA AIDS PROJECT 828-252-7489, wncap.org • 2nd & 4th SATURDAYS, 10am-noon - Volunteer to deliver food boxes to homebound people living with HIV/AIDS. Registration: 828252-7489 ext.315 or wncapvolunteer@wncap. org.

WNC KNITTERS AND CROCHETERS FOR OTHERS 828-575-9195 • MO (8/14), 7-9pm - Volunteer to knit dishcloths, pot holders, knitted dolls, hats, scarves, mittens, sweaters, baby blankets, booties and sleep sacks for those in need. All skill levels welcome. Held at New Hope Presbyterian Church, 3070 Sweeten Creek Road For more volunteering opportunities visit mountainx.com/ volunteering

Thursday August 17, 2017 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Prep Session 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Job Fair NC Works Career Center Asheville 48 Grove Street Asheville, NC 28801

*This is not an AARP event. Any information you provide to the host organization shall be governed by its privacy policy.

MOUNTAINX.COM

AUG. 9 - 15, 2017

21

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Ayurveda Wellness Counselor 600 Hr Program Begins September 22 nd Discounts Available - Apply online AshevilleMassageSchool.org 828-252-7377 22

AUG. 9 - 15, 2017

MOUNTAINX.COM

WELLNESS

UNSUNG HEROES Nurses in Mission’s NICU go above and beyond

BY JACQUI CASTLE jacquicastle@gmail.com “It’s the most unnatural situation to leave your baby and go home.

That’s not how it’s supposed to be.

You’re supposed to leave the hospital with your baby in your arms,” says Sarah Bender Hope. Her son, Solomon, was born at 25 weeks’ gestation in 2015, just two years after her first son, Isaiah, passed away at 23 weeks old.

Bender Hope recalls her first experience with the neonatal intensive care unit team at Mission Children’s Hospital. “They administered comfort care to my first son, Isaiah. I think that meeting them and knowing that they honored the pregnancy and honored my baby and were there to make sure that he only knew peace while he was on Earth just really made me have a lot less trauma in a majorly traumatic situation.”

Her second son, Solomon, spent a total of 106 days in the NICU, and once Bender Hope regained her own health, she spent an average of nine hours a day sitting beside him.

Linda Yandell Smith, NICU nurse manager at the hospital, said via email, “More than 67 percent of the babies who come to Mission’s NICU actually stay less than 10 days. This is because of improved perinatal care to pregnant moms. Babies are able to stay inside the mom longer, and every day can count.”

Mission’s NICU cares for the tiniest patients from all over Western North Carolina in its 51-bed facility, often bringing them in by helicopter or emergency transport. Jessica Edwards, family support and outreach coordinator, says, “We serve all [17 counties] of Western North Carolina. ... Sometimes we have babies that come in from Tennessee and South Carolina.”

Nichole Kintz’s daughter, Nina, was born seven weeks early and spent three weeks in the NICU. “At the time of her birth they gave a pre-diagnosis of Down syndrome, and we just had that confirmed two weeks ago,” says Kintz. “She spent three weeks in the NIC unit basically just trying to get bigger and learning how to be.

DADDY’S HERE: Sarah Bender Hope watches as husband Nik Hope provides kangaroo care for their son, Solomon, in the NICU. Photo courtesy of Sarah Bender Hope That was her main thing. Babies don’t learn how to suck, swallow and breathe until 35 weeks in utero, and she was 33 weeks. So, she had to learn a skill that she wasn’t quite ready for, and that was stressful.

That was the only way I was going to get her home — when she was able to feed all on her own. ... We basically taught her that skill.”

Ashley English’s son, Alistair, was born at 27 weeks and spent 79 days in the NICU. English felt grateful that she lived close enough to visit her son every day during his long stay. “There were a lot of parents who could not be there every day.

Either they lived too far away or they had to work, and they were waiting until the baby was discharged so

that they could take maternity leave then,” says English.

What made a difference during a traumatic time to these three parents of premature infants who spent enough time inside the NICU to learn it like the back of their hands? The caring staff. “The nurses are probably some of the most compassionate, empathetic, giving people that I’ve ever met in my life. They will go above and beyond to connect with a family, to bring a family comfort, to make sure that a family has the resources that they need before they leave our hospital,” says Edwards.

“Every breakdown I had, I swear, a nurse would sit with me,” says Kintz. “The head nurse of the NIC unit caught me one day just crying,

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ENCOURAGING WORDS: Nurse Andy Evans told parent Sarah Bender Hope that “when you hold your baby, think about the dreams that you have for them ... and they are going to feel that energy and feel that love that you have for them.” Photo courtesy of Sarah Bender Hope and she sat with me for an hour, held my hand. It was so beyond just medical care. I just had so many nurses sit with me and share their experience, give me their tips. You know, everyone has a tip for you, and as stressful as that could be, it was really a magical experience.

I just can’t say enough about how grateful I am to those people.”

English notes that all of the nurses who work in the NICU are remarkable, but one nurse in particular, Charleen Ballard, went the extra mile to bring comfort during a traumatic time. “On my husband’s birthday, she brought him a hat that had belonged to her dad. On Mother’s Day, she left me a gift. For Alistair (when we left, my nickname for him

was ’Chicken’ because he looked like a little plucked chicken) she bought him these little soft-soled shoes that had chickens on them. She brought me earrings when I was in the hospital that had belonged to her mother, who used to own a chicken farm; they’re little chicken earrings. She brought me a copy of the book The Help. She completely became like family, and she just loved Alistair.

She called him ‘Sunshine.’ She would walk up to his crib and say, ‘Hey, Sunshine.’ I just love her. She blew my mind. I just had no idea that somebody could make us feel like it was going to be all right.”

English was not the only one who had a nurse to remember.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 24 MOUNTAINX.COM

AUG. 9 - 15, 2017

23

W EL L NESS

WELLN ESS CA LEN DA R ing together, which was like funny to me because we just met this man, but he was part of this vision that I had for my son.”

Because of her experience in the NICU, Bender Hope has become part of the NICU Family Advisory Council. “We have different initiatives that we set every year to basically help make the place a little bit better for the parents to kind of give the voice of the parent to the nurses in the unit so that they can hear what works and what doesn’t work and just make it a better situation for somebody that’s sitting there with their baby at their bedside,” she explains.

Bender Hope also donates her services as a bereavement doula.

“Because of Isaiah, I’ve also become a bereavement doula, which I do in the NICU and the city as well,” she says. “I think that one thing I’ve learned from my sons is: I’m not the first one to have a son that passed away, and I’m not the first one to have a micro-preemie, but unfortunately, I’m not the last one either.

So, something that I was raised with was that you are a part of the community, and you give back.”­X

For Bender Hope, that nurse was Andy Evans. “Our primary nurse ... means the world to me, ” she says.

“Andy and Solomon had this little NICU dance that they did together, and Andy was a part of major incidents at the hospital with Solomon.

And I felt so connected to him, and Solomon and him just had this amazing energy back and forth that was just crazy to watch. He became part of our family.”

“One of my favorite things in the NICU was to do skin-to-skin. They call it ‘kangaroo care,’ and that’s really healing for the babies because they’re back on their mama’s skin, they’re hearing the heartbeat, and they can feel the love you’re sending them,” she continues. “As they get bigger, you can hold them longer because they could hold their body temperature longer, and he [Evans] would say, ‘What I always tell people is when you hold your baby, think about the dreams that you have for them, because you’re going to be excited, and they are going to feel that energy and feel that love that you have for them.’ And so, I just had these visions of Solomon as a little boy and Andy and him going fish-

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SECRETS OF NATURAL WALKING (PD.) Workshop on Saturday, Aug. 12th, 9-5pm. $150 Call to register, 828-2156033, naturalwalking.com.

Proper alignment = healthy joints, energized body, calm minds. Let Your Walking Be Your Healing!

AUTOIMMUNE PATIENTS DESIRED FOR FREE HEALING CLINIC (PD.) SA & SU (9/9- 9/10) 9am-3pm both days.

Autoimmune patients needed as clients for advanced hands-on healing students.

Earth-based healing school. Free.

Interested parties register at registrar@ wildernessFusion. com. Montreat, NC. (828) 785-4311, wildernessFusion.com.

HYPERTENSION/ HEART DISEASE PATIENTS DESIRE FOR FREE HEALING CLINIC (PD.) SA & SU (9/16- 9/17) 9am-3pm both days.

Hypertension/heart disease patients needed as clients for advanced hands-on healing students.

Earth-based healing school. Free.

Interested parties register at registrar@ wildernessFusion. com. Montreat, NC. (828) 785-4311, wildernessFusion. com.

QIGONG/NEI GUNG CLASSES (PD.) Saturdays, 11am12pm, Weaverville, NC. Foundational mind/body practices for creating whole health, online and in group classes.

Instructor Frank Iborra has over 47 years experience in the internal and Taoist movement arts. 954-721-7252. whitecranehealingarts. com NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS 828-505-7353, namiwnc.org, namiwc2015@gmail.com • Through MO (10/2) - Open registration for the "NAMI Basics" class to learn the fundamentals of caring for you, your family or a child or adolescent with behavioral health issues. Takes place THURSDAYS (10/12) through (11/16), 6-8:30pm.

Registration: mariannejolson@ gmail.com or 901517-4731. Free. Held at NAMI Offices, 356 Biltmore Ave. • Through FR (8/25) - Open registration for the "NAMI Family to Family" class for families or caregivers of individuals with serious mental illness. Takes place MONDAYS (8/28) through (11/13), 6:30-9pm.

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RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES redcrosswnc.org • WE (8/9), 1-6pm - Appointments & info: 1-800-REDCROSS or redcrossblood.org. Held at Diamond Brand Outdoors in Parkway Center, 1378 Hendersonville Road • WE (8/16), 11:30am-4pm Appointments & info.: 828-259-6908 x 146 or brenda. franklin@dhhs. nc.gov. Held at Black Mountain Neuro Medical Treatment Center, 932 Old U.S. Highway 70, Black Mountain • WE (8/16), 3-7:30pm Appointments & info.: 828-667-4541 or brenda.franklin@ dhhs.nc.gov. Held at Hominy Baptist Church, 135 Candler School Road, Candler

THE MEDITATION CENTER 894 E. Main St., Sylva, 828-356-1105, meditate-wnc.org • 2nd WEDNESDAYS, 6-8pm - "Inner Guidance from an Open Heart," class with meditation and discussion. $10.

SENIOR OPPORTUNITY CENTER 36 Grove St. • THURSDAYS, 8am "Golden Joy Yoga," slow moving, alignment focused class for all levels. $9.

THE BLOOD CONNECTION BLOOD DRIVES 800-392-6551, thebloodconnection.org • WE (8/16), 10am3pm - Appointments & info.: 828-5520702. Held at StoneCreek Health

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CONGREGATION OF ASHEVILLE 1 Edwin Place, 828254-6001, uuasheville.org • WEDNESDAYS (8/9) through (8/30), 2pm - Informal community singing for those with short term memory loss, Parkinson’s Disease and/or interested in exploring song. Free.

URBAN DHARMA 29 Page Ave, 828225-6422, udharmanc.com • TUESDAYS, 7:308:30pm - Guided, non-religious walking and sitting meditation. Free to attend.

YOGA IN THE PARK 828-254-0380, youryoga.com • SATURDAYS, 10-11:30am Proceeds from this outdoor yoga class benefit Homeward Bound and OurVoice. Admission by donation. Held at Pack Square Park, 121 College St.

Contact givelocal@mountainx.com to get involved

GREEN SCENE

FALLING INTO HISTORY Book seeks to elicit wonder of Linville Gorge through firsthand accounts

NATURAL HISTORY: Author Christopher Blake, left, has updated his 2005 collection of historical accounts and essays on the Linville Gorge. Blake will discuss the new edition on Monday, Aug. 14, at Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe. Images courtesy of the author

BY LYSS HUNT alyssadecaulp@gmail.com Christopher Blake wants you to have a religious experience. In the sparsely populated hills between McDowell and Burke counties, nestled among the gem mining stores and antique barns, sits the geologic marvel that some call the “Grand Canyon of the East.” The sublime Linville Gorge, a jagged cut in the face of Appalachia, truly gives one a sense of the scale of these mountains.

Blake’s book invites readers to encounter the spirit of “one of the Earth’s enchanted places.”

In River of Cliffs: A Linville Gorge History, a new edition of a book originally published in 2005, Blake presents a collection of historical accounts — journal entries, news articles and other ephemera relating to experiences in what is now the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area. The introduction alternates between expansive poetic reflection and straightforward description of the physical landscape.

But Blake’s overall attitude is captured in the first paragraph, where he says,

“Here indeed is a primordial place, where man and his incursions seem puny and fleeting.”

For Blake, Linville Gorge is not something you see; it is something you experience. In his words, it can provide a “raw, direct sensuous experience” to those who are willing to enter it on its own terms.

But the book is much more than a litany of praise from past visitors to the gorge. It is a fascinating journey through the human history of one of America’s original wilderness areas, designated as such in 1964. The curious collection of documents reflects a diverse array of personal perspectives, sociological lenses, ideological convictions and natural histories.

The first chapter, “The Spangenberg Diary,” recounts the 1752 reconnaissance mission of a Moravian bishop to find a tract of land for large-scale settlement. His account reads like field notes, offering details on geologic formations, plant life, and animal habits and habitats. The descriptions conjure a nostalgic sense of the early American wild through matter-of-fact prose.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 26

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FARM & GARDEN

G REEN SC E N E Many chapters throughout the book echo this perspective — a naturalist view that gives glimpses into the landscape and wildlife. Most of the authors of these entries didn’t contextualize what they saw in terms of human interaction, so the accounts feel as though they present a window directly onto the gorge itself.

Blake’s own history with the gorge goes back five decades, to a 1967 Outward Bound trip he took as a student at Lee H. Edwards High School (now Asheville High). One chapter of the book is composed of his field journal from that 26-day trip, and it stands in stark contrast to the writing style of the mature author. The journal of young Blake contains short, direct descriptions: “Wake up at 0600. Go on a run and dip.” They detail his experiences but do little to explore his impressions.

Blake’s introduction, in comparison, drips with description. “Every encounter with the Gorge and the Falls seems to leave me with a welter of vivid impressions,” he writes. The difference in focus mirrors what Blake describes as a goal of his book: depicting the magic of experiencing Linville Gorge.

“Appreciation,” Blake writes, “can be heightened by an awareness of what others have left in the way of testimonial to their wonder and respect for the place.” Not every chapter of the book describes simple awe, however; the gorge’s history includes more sinister aspects, as well.

Early chapters reveal that the gorge is named for William and John Linville. The book tells a version of the story where the father and son were members of a small hunting party in 1766 when they were attacked and killed by Shawnee raiders, probably from Georgia, ranging north to battle with the Cherokee.

News of the deaths spread up the Eastern seaboard. The Pennsylvania Gazette decried the “inhuman custom” of supposed Cherokee fighters willing to kill whites as revenge for settlers killing Cherokees.

Other sections of the book discuss the area’s original inhabitants; however, they are all framed by the incursion of white settlers into a place that had been used for many thousands of years by indigenous peoples. Early violent encounters led to repressive government policies, with the ultimate outcome being forced removal in 1838.

The final chapter of the book deals with the life of Jane Blalock Holtsclaw, born to a Cherokee family that remained in North Carolina after the Indian Removal Act. She was a wise woman and healer, and after moving from traditional Cherokee lands west of Asheville into McDowell County, she 26

AUG. 9 - 15, 2017

MOUNTAINX.COM

made traditional medicine by wildcrafting in the gorge, alone on trips for weeks at a time.

The inclusion of such accounts in a book about a wilderness area reminds readers of the complex texture of intertwined physical and cultural history. Blake asks readers to “consider how the Gorge is mediated to them.”

Tourism brochures exclaiming about hiking trails and trout fishing may lure visitors to a place for an experience of unforgettable rugged beauty, but they often don’t offer a broader context that would facilitate a holistic experience of place.

To Blake, this matters. He feels that managing people’s expectations and experiences of the natural world through various media cuts them off from the raw magic that characterizes the wilderness area. That is a large part of why he created this book: Blake wanted to offer a different kind of a map.

River of Cliffs invites readers into participatory historical cartography.

Explore the accounts of Blake and so many others, then go and create your own entry for the annals of Linville Gorge Wilderness Area history.

Blake and Pete Whelihan, a local mycologist, will appear at Malaprop’s Bookstore on Aug. 14 at 7 p.m. to discuss the book, the gorge, and the interplay between radical social subcultures and engaging the natural world. The event will take a meta-approach to the notion of discussing a natural place as object versus subject. It will examine the implications of our tendencies to create narratives that speak for places, despite these places having their own unique histories independent of the speaker. The book will be available for purchase at the event or can be found online at arcadiapublishing.com. Blake also leads occasional guided trips in the gorge. He can be reached by email at gorgestalker@gmail.com. X

‘RIVER OF CLIFFS’ WHAT Christopher Blake presents River of Cliffs: A Linville Gorge History WHERE Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe 55 Haywood St. WHEN Monday, Aug. 14, 7 p.m.

HERBAL GROWTH Breakfast to introduce farmers to thriving market

GROWING PROFITS: Researchers at the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center study the potential of medicinal herbs as a lucrative crop for area farmers. The Aug. 15 Buncombe County Friends of Agriculture Breakfast will introduce attendees to the prospect of this blooming market. Photo courtesy of the Jeanine Davis Program at N.C. State University

BY MAGGIE CRAMER mcramerwrites@gmail.com Opportunity is knocking for area farmers interested in the expanding medicinal herb market. The topic will take center stage at this quarter’s Buncombe County Friends of Agriculture Breakfast on Tuesday, Aug. 15.

“There’s been a huge demand for domestic products that’s come around from consumers,” says Margaret Bloomquist, a research assistant with N.C. State University’s department of horticultural science. Bloomquist, who is stationed at the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center in Mills River, will speak at the breakfast.

Much of the demand for U.S.-grown herbs, Bloomquist says, has to do with safety — knowing “not only where our food comes from, but also where our medicinal herbs and products come from, what those sources are and if they’re traceable.”

For decades, Western North Carolina has been known as a producer of high-

LOCAL FOOD, LOCAL FRIENDS WHAT Buncombe County Friends of Ag Breakfast: Markets for Medicinal Herbs. Local foods breakfast with special guest speaker Margaret Bloomquist of NCSU’s department of horticultural science.

WHEN Tuesday, Aug. 15, 7 a.m.

WHERE WNC Agricultural Center Virginia Boone Building (Gate 5) 1301 Fanning Bridge Road Fletcher DETAILS To attend, RSVP to Ariel Zijp at ariel.zijp@buncombecounty.org or 828-250-4794. The breakfast is open to the public.

quality medicinal herbs — from its vast array of native plants to those in cultivation. The region’s many herbal schools and health-savvy residents have created a large local market that even smallscale farmers can tap into.

Bloomquist says the Mills River program is only one of several regional efforts addressing the exploding market and connecting growers with buyers.

“Collaboration and networking is and will continue to be our greatest asset to stay on the map,” she says.

Ultimately, Bloomquist and her colleagues at NCSU want to see area farmers filling regional herb needs while also helping drum up widespread domestic

ECO ASHEVILLE GREEN DRINKS ashevillegreendrinks.com • 3rd WEDNESDAYS, 7pm - Ecopresentations, discussions and community connection. Free.

Held at Lenoir Rhyne Center for Graduate Studies, 36 Montford Ave. DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE 1 Rankin Ave., 2nd Floor, Asheville, 828-412-0983, defenders.org • TH (8/17), 5:30-7pm - “Wild Waters of WNC,” workshop focused on the waters of WNC with aquatic biologist Jim Herrig.

Participants will build a simple water viewer for habitat and wildlife viewing underwater.

Registration required: southeastoffice@defenders.org. Free.

FARM & GARDEN MUSHROOMS OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA: HANDSON FORAGING (PD.) Saturdays, 8/5 -9/16, 10am1:30pm - Explore local forests in

demand. Success in doing so is one way farms can stay profitable, they believe.

But, as the saying goes, opportunity is dressed in overalls and looks like work.

“This is a complex industry, and some of these herbs are easy to grow, some aren’t. Some take a year, some take 10,” Bloomquist says.

Bloomquist stresses that her talk won’t necessarily highlight an easy path, but it will share exciting opportunities that could pay off in the long run for local farmers. She hopes to see growers, small manufacturers, landowners, land seekers and buyers at the breakfast, as well as representatives from restaurants and herbal schools. X

search of edible, medicinal and regional mushrooms with fungi forager Mateo Ryall. $30 per class or $100 for 4 classes. Info: herbandroots.com, livinroots@ gmail.com, Herb Roots@facebook. com, or 413-636-4401.

combecounty.org. Held at WNC Agricultural Center, Virginia Boone Building (Gate 5), 1301 Fanning Bridge Road HAIKU BAMBOO BAMBOO NURSERY/FARM 20 Tuttle Road, Hendersonville • 2nd & 4th SUNDAYS, 1:30-3pm “Bamboo Walking Tours,” through bamboo forest to learn about bamboo plants. Registration: 6853053. $25/$23 seniors/$15 ages 13-18/Free under 13.

BUNCOMBE COUNTY EXTENSION MASTER GARDENERS 828-255-5522, buncombemastergardener.org, BuncombeMasterGardeners@ gmail.com • TH (8/17), 11:30am-1pm “Gardening in the Mountains: Drought Tolerant Gardening,” class. Registration: 828-255-5522.

Bring your lunch. Free. Held at Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Station, 74 Research Drive, Mills River

POLK COUNTY FRIENDS OF AGRICULTURE BREAKFAST polkcountyfarms.org • 3rd WEDNESDAYS, 7-8am - Monthly breakfast with presentations regarding agriculture.

Admission by donation. Held at 4-H Center, Locust St, Columbus TRANSITION ASHEVILLE 828-296-0064, transitionasheville.org • MO (5/8), 6:30-8pm - “Growing Food in Public Spaces - Edible Landscaping in the Commons,” presentation by Dylan RyalsHamilton. Free. Held at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 337 Charlotte St.

BUNCOMBE COUNTY FRIENDS OF AG BREAKFAST 828-250-4794, dixon@buncombecounty.org • TU (8/15), 7-8am - “Markets for Medicinal Herbs,” local foods breakfast and presentation by NCSU Department of Horticultural Science. Registration required: 828-250-4794 or ariel.zijp@bun-

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FOOD

LEGACY OF LOSS, PART 2 Facing food access challenges in Asheville’s Southside community

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Green Opportunities works to empower low-wealth residents of Southside and the greater Asheville area by cultivating solutions to food insecurity through community gardening and culinary arts training. Photo by Erin Daniell

BY ERIN DANIELL erindaniell14@gmail.com

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Starting in May 2015, UNC Asheville graduate Erin Daniell conducted an ongoing research project focusing on the roots and modern realities of food insecurity in Asheville’s historically black Southside community.

Daniell lived in Southside until she moved overseas in late July to work as a Peace Corps volunteer. This is the second of two stories Daniell wrote for Xpress presenting her findings. The first, “Legacy of Loss,” appeared in the July 19 issue.

Nearly 100 years ago, there were 22 grocery stores in Asheville’s historically black Southside neighborhood. Today there are none. This shift in the community’s food access came from the outside in the early 1970s in the form of urban renewal, a series of redevelopment programs that dramatically altered Southside’s streets, transferred property ownership and displaced hundreds of its residents into public housing. By 1975, Southside’s grocery stores had disappeared.

Today, residents who want to buy food in Southside go to Green’s, a gas station on Depot Street with a small convenience mart that sells processed foods like chips and sodas. Nestled between the rapidly growing areas of South Slope and the River Arts District, Southside is gentrifying quickly in the competitive housing market. This means an increasing number of middle-class, primarily white people are moving into the neighborhood, sometimes displacing longtime, primarily black, Southside residents.

Hipsters, artists and students are moving in, while residents watch their home community morph before their eyes.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture identifies Southside as one of Asheville’s six food deserts, meaning its residents lack access to nutritious, affordable food. The neighborhood is also home to five of the city’s nine public housing complexes. In the 2010 U.S. census, 55 percent of Southside’s population was black.

TRAVELING FOR FOOD All Southside residents face the problem of being a long way from

the nearest grocery store. But while a lack of food access is related to physical distance, the dilemma is often complicated by issues of class and race. According to the 2010 American Community Survey done by the U.S. Census Bureau, 9 percent of white Ashevilleans have no access to a vehicle compared with 27 percent of black Ashevilleans. With a statistically greater likelihood of having no car — and thus being more dependent on public transportation — the black residents of Southside experience food insecurity to a significantly higher degree than their newer white neighbors.

Shuvonda Harper, a lifelong black Southside resident and fourth-generation Ashevillean, is a mother of two and a public housing resident.

In Harper’s experience, Southside has always been a food desert, meaning the closest grocery store for her has always been more than a mile away. Plus, growing up, her family didn’t own a vehicle, making the distance to groceries a logistical orchestration of carpools or multiple bus transfers. As a kid, Harper remembers, “There was this one gentleman

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GARDENING FOR CHANGE: Lifelong Southside resident and community activist Shuvonda Harper is involved in a number of projects in her neighborhood, including collaborating with neighbors to address food insecurity through gardening at Green Opportunities. Photo by Erin Daniell that transported people [including my mother] to the store a lot … [for] a couple bucks of gas money.” As an adult, Harper coordinated rides from friends and family members in order to take care of her family’s basic nutritional needs until she recently was able to buy her own car.

Roy Harris, a 30-year black resident of Southside and recent retiree, routinely catches four buses round trip to do his grocery shopping at a Walmart about 5 miles from Southside. One June morning, Xpress rode along with Harris as he boarded the S4, then later caught the E1 for his regular shopping trip, which took one hour and 10 minutes one way. That journey then had to be repeated to get back to his neighborhood.

Harris offers some helpful recommendations for the grocery-busing strategy. “Get the minimum of what you need,” he says, especially if you are trying to make the next bus, and purchase “nothing real heavy because then that makes it real tough for you to get it back to your house.” Harris says that shopping using the ART system encourages the purchase of processed food items that have a longer shelf life. He is less likely to buy fresh fruits and vegetables for practical reasons, he says. Harper agrees this was also a part of her strategy when she was dependent on asking for rides to the grocery store.

HEALTHY ACCESS POINTS Longtime residents say that before the East Riverside urban renewal project was carried out in Southside in the 1970s, the neighborhood boasted fruit trees, vegetable gardens and corner stores carrying fresh produce (see “Legacy of Loss” in the July 19 issue of Xpress). But during the urban renewal period, the local government used eminent domain to buy houses from primarily black homeowners, moving residents from homes with gardens and fruit trees to public housing. Simultaneously, drastic changes to the neighborhood’s roadways caused the corner stores to disappear. The resulting limited access to wholesome foods has caused a change in many residents’ diets to predominantly processed foods.

But lately, some healthy access points have developed in the neighborhood.

Green Opportunities’ Kitchen Ready culinary training program has a popup kitchen at the Arthur R. Edington Education & Career Center, which serves the public lunch and occasional dinners on a donation basis. Much of the food served there comes from a garden that’s cultivated behind the center, which also gives away produce to Southside residents.

Patchwork Urban Farms, a local multiplot urban agricultural network, also operates a pop-up produce stand on

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Choctaw Street. But while these options are present in the neighborhood, they are not capable of replacing the stability and convenience of a supermarket with full-time hours of operation and offering a wide variety of food items.

CHANGING DEMOGRAPHICS Harris says that when he first moved to Bartlett Street in 1986, all 14 of the street’s homes were occupied by black folks, mostly headed by matriarchs of the family. Today, only five of those original 14 houses are occupied by black Southsiders. Although he remembers that when he moved to Bartlett, “you could hear kids’ voices up and down the street,” the street’s newcomers, he says, are predominantly single and white with no children.

“I can’t figure out if my house is moving toward the River Arts District or toward South Slope. … Whether it’s one way or the other, it’s moving toward one of them,” he muses. “Are my new neighbors interested in my community? And how much are they interested in this community down to the gritty nuances?”

Collin Demos, a barista at West Asheville’s Odd’s Café and white resident of Southside for the past two years, admits, “I definitely knew absolutely nothing about the neighborhood [when we moved in].” His main reason for renting his apartment was that “it was the cheapest and the nicest for the price.”

Demos says he observes rather than participates in the Southside community as he has not connected with any of his neighbors, many of whom have lived in the area for years and even decades.

“My community is a lot in West Asheville — like at Odd’s. I know a lot of the people that hang out there, and I hang out with all my work buddies,” he says. “Where I met most of my friends is up there, and I don’t really know anyone that lives down here [Southside].”

Demos wonders if his sense of community

LIMITED OPTIONS: Due to the neighborhood’s lack of supermarkets, many Southside residents depend on the small store at Green’s gas station to meet everyday food needs. Green’s mainly sells snacks and processed food items. Photos by Erin Daniell might be different if he were able to shop at a grocery in Southside where he could see his neighbors and chat with them.

Instead, he drives to Earth Fare, a highend grocery store, two to three times a week, he says, “because they offer consistently good-quality, decently priced produce and have a large bulk section.”

Sam Singer, who is white and a recent graduate of UNC Asheville, has called Southside home for a few years. For her grocery needs, Singer prefers to walk to Hopey & Co. on the northern edge of the neighborhood, where she buys mainly fresh produce. “The produce box I split between my roommate and I has a lot of good, delicious food,” she says. “I try to eat that as soon as possible. I buy a few processed items when I don’t have a ton of time to make something.”

Hopey & Co. is the closest grocery store to Southside and is even within a mile of some parts of the neighborhood. However, as a discount grocery that caters to a predominantly white clientele, Hopey & Co. is an unappealing option to many black Southsiders who are likely to bus across town to Walmart or Ingles rather than spend their money on almost expired goods.

INVISIBLE LINE Although the restaurants and other businesses of the gentrified River Arts District, which was once a part of Southside, are just a quick walk away, black residents may not always feel welcome in those establishments. “It’s very clearly not a space for the people who live in and built the Southside community,” says Singer. “I’m not talking about myself or other gentrifiers. I’m talking about people of color who have been living in Southside, some for generations, [who] are systematically kept out of the River Arts District. The restaurants, shops and people who frequent

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the area aren’t noticing that the closest grocery store to Southside is Hopey, which doesn’t have everything someone may need. They aren’t noticing the invisible line that is drawn that says, ‘You don’t belong here if you can’t afford it.’”

Harris agrees. “You can see it’s almost like a dividing line — a railroad track, as they used to say in our culture,” he says, alluding to the idea that during the era of segregation, communities were often divided by the railroad tracks, with blacks living on one side and whites on the other. Harris’ observation is based not only in the physical dissonance between Southside and the RAD but also in the cultural incongruity.

While there are now more restaurants near Southside than in the previous three decades, they are not economically accessible or culturally appealing to all the residents living closest to them.

Harper also notes the sharp divide between her economically challenged community and the bustling RAD. “The pretty flowers don’t start till you turn that corner,” she says. “Crazy kudzu all on the hill [by the Livingston Apartments] and everything, but pretty flowers right there around that corner.”

She adds, “I’m not knocking [the RAD]. I just really wish there were more of us in the space.” Harper says one thing she’d love to see is artwork by a Southside resident featured on the shipping container mural across from the Pink Dog Creative building. “True enough, there’s been some unique stuff up there,” she says. “Well, give us a shot, because we’ve got some crazy, mad artists in our community that would love to have the opportunity to put up a mural on that thing.”

A mural recently featured across from the Pink Dog was a piece that said “CHANGE” in black and white paint. When it was up there, Harper says, it had her community wondering, “Change for whom?” X

by Edwin Arnaudin

earnaudin@mountainx.com

SHARING SPACE Asheville brewery owners and patrons discuss the presence of children at taprooms

SIGNS OF THE TIMES: In order to encourage safety and harmony among guests, Wedge Brewing Co. owner Tim Schaller, pictured at the brewery’s Foundation location, posts signs stating an 8 p.m. curfew for underage guests and other guidelines for families to follow. Wedge also trains staff on how to courteously deal with issues such as unaccompanied children. Photo by Cindy Kunst A July 19 post on Reddit.com’s Asheville subreddit titled “ChildFree Breweries” called out “irresponsible young parents with very young children.” Specifically named were babies who cry “as loud as the music from the loudspeakers” and neglected toddlers who “act out” and want “to run around and bang on things.”

Closing with the question of whether there are any local breweries that don’t allow children, the post quickly became one of the few on /r/Asheville to exceed 100 comments. Some replies seconded the original poster’s opinions. Others, however, broke the news that, while a handful of breweries ban people younger than 21 after a certain hour or designate specific spaces for those of legal drinking age, all Asheville-area breweries are in fact family-friendly.

“The situations where you have hordes of unruly kids beating beer drinkers with sticks or something, I think those situations are extremely limited, if they ever happen,” says Cliff Mori, owner of the Asheville

beer education and brewery tour company Brew-Ed. More often, Mori continues, one sees groups of children playing off to the side with parents casually watching them while having a pint or two. “I think that’s mostly what we see is well-behaved kids hanging out,” he says. “But if you’re really sensitive to that, and you feel like it should be an adults-only space, I could see why people would be upset by it. I just think it’s probably an unrealistic expectation more than anything else.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE The welcoming environment starts with the brewery owners, and no one on the local scene wants to exclude responsible patrons. Though tasting rooms are designed as spaces for sharing beverages that can only legally be bought and consumed by adults, the presence of younger people is part of a larger social picture.

“I think in the last four years there’s been a big movement in the brewing industry that’s kind of

going away from being a regional brewery to being more of a community brewery,” says Joey Justice, coowner of Sweeten Creek Brewing.

“Asheville is a great example of how a city smaller than some of the larger cities in the state can support as many breweries as it does, and a lot of it has to do with that emphasis on community — the ability to find a good, comfortable space close to home. I think that’s why you’re seeing so many of these little breweries pop up right now.”

Sweeten Creek is one of the few smaller local breweries that offers plenty of room outdoors for kids to spread out and play, a luxury more commonly available at Asheville’s larger breweries. Greg Garrison, his wife, Ashley, and their two children, ages 4 and 1, live around the corner from New Belgium Brewing Co. Other than the convenience of proximity, they regularly visit the brewery for the appeal of an open and contained space that has a parklike feel with some shade, food and, sometimes, entertainment.

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FOOD “The brewery is almost secondary to the space that has been created by the brewery,” Greg Garrison says. “If you think about the number of bars in Asheville or places where you can get a drink versus places where families can take their kids and have food in an open space that’s contained and has just a free-for-all [feel], there aren’t that many. So we as parents are almost thankful for the breweries to provide this space.”

In turn, Garrison does his part to honor the trust placed in him so that his and other families can continue to enjoy the privilege of playing on New Belgium’s expansive lawn and sidewalks. Each time he and his son, Finn, get ready go to the brewery, they talk about guidelines for properly using the space. Garrison sees each visit as an opportunity to teach Finn the necessity of having control around adults, dogs and other kids, abiding by a code of conduct and being responsible, much like being in a park.

Appreciative of parents like Garrison, Brian LaFever, a childfree Asheville resident who frequents Highland Brewing Co., Asheville Pizza & Brewing and both Hi-Wire Brewing locations, has the same stance on children at breweries as he does with the presence of dogs while he enjoys a pint.

“If they’re well-behaved, supervised and unobtrusive, then I don’t really care. However, the ones who are freely roaming, unchecked [and] detracting from other patrons’ experience — that’s the problem,” LaFever says. “And being able to properly gauge said things is something best left to a jury of other patrons and staff, not the owner [or] parent, because they, of course, will typically balk at the assertion [or] accusation that their child [or] pet is anything but perfect, normally.”

Highland President Leah Wong Ashburn is committed to offering a place where all of the above may coexist, an attitude she sees as an extension of how she was raised.

Accustomed to staffwide outings with her father and brewery founder Oscar Wong’s engineering company and her parents actively engaging with their neighbors wherever they’ve lived, Ashburn says it’s only natural that Highland would conduct business in a similar manner.

As the brewery has expanded, its leadership has added more space to reflect those values. Poison ivy, underbrush and other obstacles in the meadow behind the brewhouse were cleared, giving families a place to let loose in the afternoons and augmenting the expansive familyfriendly taproom. Then, in 2016, Highland opened a rooftop bar for guests who are over 21 as a means of offering a balance between settings.

“You might want to have a family-friendly area one night, and you might not on another night, depending on the occasion,” Ashburn says.

“I love being in either place depending on my mood and the day. I don’t want to go to a bar all the time when I want an adult atmosphere.”

Ashburn adds that Highland’s operating hours send a message regarding customer expectations. (“We’re definitely in a social time, but not night life,” she says.) Time restrictions, as well as an acute understanding of space limitations, are likewise important at Wedge Brewing Co., whose expansive courtyard naturally attracts families, but at its core is a railroad lot. To reflect that awareness and encourage harmony among patrons, owner Tim Schaller implemented a policy — documented on copious signs around the property —

that children must be within 10 feet of their adult and that after 8 p.m., only people ages 21 and older are allowed.

“That started around safety.

There’s the parking lot and the train comes through, and kids find their way over to the fence,” Schaller says. “Like all rules, that’s there to use if you need to. I’ve watched parents who you can tell they’re watching the kid … but if we see they don’t have an eye on them, it’s more for the ones who don’t keep track because that’s not a safe thing to do.”

Wedge trains its staff about the brewery’s approach, which, in the event of spotting a child seemingly unaccompanied, is to go up and ask as nicely as possible, “Where’s your mom or dad?” The next step is locating the parent and informing them of the 10-foot rule — also while being kind. “No one wants to be told they’re a bad parent,” Schaller says.

The Wedge staff begins talking to parents at 7:30 p.m. to let them know about the 8 p.m. policy and give them plenty of time to wrap up their visit. Exceptions are made on nights when movies are screened in the courtyard and if a family is waiting on an order from the food truck of the day, but they try to stick to the 8 p.m. curfew as much as possible.

Despite the admirable intentions at the rules’ core, they’ve been met with occasional fiery criticism from customers. One-star Facebook reviews from 2014 are still viewable online, slamming the child policy after its implementation and calling Wedge “anti-child.” Well-aware of the backlash, Schaller says the funny thing for him is that for four years in the mid-1970s, he ran a nursery on Long Island and feels at ease talking with kids, often more so than with adults. Space for adults

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In addition to highlighting these child-free spaces and times at local breweries, several posters on the Reddit thread pointed to barlike tasting rooms such as One World Brewing — which welcomes families during the day but is also adults-only after 8 p.m. — as an alternative for people who want to have a drink without having to worry about the presence of children, as well as bars themselves.

Brandon Skupski, co-owner of the Crucible Bar in the River Arts District, sees his 21-and-older private club as a haven for locals from tourists and crowds, not an escape from children. Nonetheless, he never considered making Crucible family-friendly, mostly for logistical reasons.

“A place like this, it’s an adult setting, it’s a small room, it’s a bar — there’s nothing here for kids to do, and there are plenty of great places in town where they can play outside and do their thing,” he says.

“Also, the chances of interacting with adults who don’t want to interact with them is much lower at somewhere like the Bywater or the Salvage Station than they would be here.”

Options are indeed plentiful for local drinkers to find a place and time that matches their expectations. But in the event that both sides of the cultural divide find themselves in the same room, Garrison still sees the potential for a shared, peaceful and enjoyable experience.

“I think that a little bit of love from one side to the other wouldn’t be a bad thing,” he says. “We’re all just people trying to hang out and do things ... and experience Asheville and also be responsible at the same time as parents and individuals.” X

Contact givelocal@mountainx.com to get involved

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SMALL BITES

FOOD

by Thomas Calder | tcalder@mountainx.com

Asheville Wine & Food Festival takes it outside Change is in the air for the 2017 Asheville Wine & Food Festival — and part of that change is the air itself. Whereas in years past the festival’s main event, the Grand Tasting, took place inside the U.S. Cellular Center, this year’s gathering will be held outdoors at Pack Square Park.

The new location will allow the festival to reinvent itself, says its founder and director Bob Bowles.

It also offers out-of-town attendees a chance to experience the best of both worlds. “[Visitors] want to go out and have the city as a wonderful backdrop,” Bowles notes.

Entering its ninth year, the 2017 Asheville Wine & Food Festival will feature 100 regional, national and international vendors and exhibitors. Wines, craft beer, spirits, handcrafted artisan foods and barbecue from pitmaster Christopher Prieto will be available to sample and purchase throughout the event, which runs Friday, Aug. 18, and Saturday, Aug. 19.

CHEERS TO CHANGE: Entering its ninth year, the Asheville Wine & Food Festival will feature 100 regional, national and international vendors and exhibitors. This year’s Grand Tasting will be at two-day event at Pack Square Park. Photo by Julie McMillan

Enjoy the Chef ’s Table Experience!

Another update is the transformation of the festival’s dessert component, Sweet. This year, a reworked event called Savory & Sweet will take place in the Renaissance Asheville Hotel ballroom, serving as the festival’s finale. Festival public relations manager Melissa Matthews says the

inclusion of savory items will offer a greater range of wine and food pairings to satisfy all palates.

The Chef Highlight Series, introduced last year, is another relatively new addition to the festival, replacing the former Chefs Challenge.

“Instead of the secret ingredient and the stress of the competition, these chefs are going to get to showcase what they’re really good at making and what they want to show off,” says Matthews. Presenters will include Don Paleno of The Colorful Palate, Duane Fernandes of Isa’s Bistro, Matthew Miner of Jargon, Kyle Allen of Mountain Madre Kitchen and Agave Bar, Nicole Blastow of Twisted Laurel, TJ Centanni of Calypso, Anthony Cerrato of Strada Italiano and New Orleans-based pastry chef Tariq Hanna.

Striking a balance, continues Matthews, has been one of the challenges of putting together this year’s event. The festival’s long history requires that it remain familiar to loyal attendees, while organizers must embrace its natural growth.

“I always equate it to driving a bus.

You don’t want to drive so fast that everybody who is already on it falls out the back while you’re picking up new attendees,” Matthews says.

“Right now we feel like we have a happy marriage between the two.

We’re not driving the bus too fast.

We’re keeping old friends while accommodating new ones.”

The 2017 Asheville Wine & Food Festival’s Grand Tasting runs noon-5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18, and 11 a.m.4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, at Pack Square Park. Sweet & Savory takes place 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, at the Renaissance Asheville Hotel ballroom, 31 Woodfin St. Tickets range from $45 to $140 per person. For details and tickets, visit ashevillewineandfood.com.

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TACO THROWDOWN AND TEQUILA TASTING The Grey Eagle Taqueria, Salvage Station, Bartaco, Chupacabra Latin Cafe, Zia Taqueria, Asheville Tacos & Taps, Mountain Madre Asheville and Mojo Kitchen & Lounge will all compete for the title of Asheville’s best taco at this year’s Taco Throwdown and Tequila Tasting. Attendees will be able to cast their vote for the winner. The event will also feature flights of tequila, local beer and live music from Coconut Cake and a mariachi band.

The Taco Throwdown and Tequila Tasting runs 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, at The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave. General admission is $10. VIP tickets, which include a taco from each vendor and a flight of tequila or beer, are $35. For tickets, visit avl.mx/3z4.

a nonprofit that offers support to the children of food and beverage employees who are dealing with life-altering circumstances or conditions. According to a press release, the five-course luncheon will abandon the pretension often associated with fine dining, opting instead for “a damn good time.” Along with the meal, guests will be able to partake in blind tastings and pairing challenges. The press release notes that a post-dinner party will be held at The Imperial Life, with “discounted bottles of bubbly.”

The Service Industry Luncheon is at 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 14, at Table, 48 College St. Tickets are $50 per person.

The after-party, open to the public, begins at 4 p.m. at The Imperial Life bar upstairs. To buy tickets, call 828254-8980. To learn more about CORE, visit coregives.org.

SERVICE INDUSTRY LUNCHEON AT TABLE

ASHEVILLE ARTISAN TASTING

Table will conclude its current community-driven, charity-based event series with a Service Industry Luncheon. Proceeds will benefit Children of Restaurant Employees,

Noble Cider will team up with OWL Bakery and Looking Glass Creamery for an evening of discussion and tastings called Asheville Artisan Tasting. Noble Cider co-own-

er Robin Stevens says the event follows the European tradition of combining breads, cheeses and ciders.

“In the [United Kingdom] they call it a ‘Plowman’s,’” he says. “There is something about the crusty bread, the creamy cheese and the crisp tartness of the cider that all go together so well.”

Asheville Artisan Tasting begins at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 14, at Noble Cider Taproom, 356 New Leicester Highway.

Tickets are $30 per person and are available at avl.mx/3z5.

SPOON BAR CLOSES IN SPRUCE PINE Chef Nathan Allen, owner of Spruce Pine restaurant Knife & Fork, has closed his artisan cocktail bar, Spoon. In a farewell email Allen sent to the bar’s followers, he writes, “I overestimated the ability of this tiny town to support this particular endeavor. We will be relocating our cocktail program to Knife & Fork and our patio.” X

PRIME TIME: CHEF ANTHONY CERRATO OF STRADA ITALIANO On Sunday, Aug. 13, at 10 p.m., chef Anthony Cerrato of Strada Italiano will be featured on FYI network’s new series, “The Know it All Guide To ...” The episode will highlight Cerrato’s gluten-free bread recipe, and the chef will offer his thoughts on Italian cooking as well as catering to guests with gluten allergies. “[Filming the show] was superintense but a great experience,” Cerrato says in a press release. “I love that I was given the opportunity to share what I know about gluten-free cooking.”

For details, visit avl.mx/3z6.

LIVE MUSIC

By Fin Dog • This Friday!

Fin Dog is an acoustic string band based in the Asheville area.

Fin Dog might play traditional bluegrass instruments, but their music is anything but traditional.

Fin Dog’s high-energy and rowdy original music incorporates elements of gypsy jazz, Western swing, punk, and contemporary alt country.

Come enjoy Great Food, Fun and Live Music!

Zappers delivers! (3 mile radius)

Join us for Live Music

THIS FRIDAY NIGHT, 8/11 • 7-10 pm

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A R T S & E N T E R TA I N M E N T

EL MARIACHI DE WNC

Connecting cultures with songs of passion

BY VICTOR PALOMINO vaptartmedia@gmail.com Mariachi songs tell stories of kings losing it all, big ranches, love and the journeys of many heroes and heroines. But these are more than mere tunes: This is the soundtrack to the lives of a special group of musicians.

DIFFERENT DISCIPLINES When Acencion Inestroza made the decision to leave his hometown in 1989, he left behind family, country and music. He traveled for more than a decade until he again found music and love — this time as a mariachi, a musician schooled in an art form dating to 18th-century western Mexico.

In his native Nicaragua, Inestroza was a middle and high school arts and culture teacher. He was the music educator and the director of the school marching band. During that time, Inestroza believed that all children needed to be introduced to different disciplines. “The idea is for the student to find his or her gift. Some are going to be teachers or doctors, and the arts have to be part of that picture,” he says. Some of his students also became professional musicians.

Inestroza left Nicaragua because of political and social tensions in his country, starting a journey that took him to Atlanta, Cherokee and Hendersonville, where he’s currently based.

For 10 years, Inestroza worked as a carpenter and with his cousin at a car dealership, separated from music all the while. “It was a depressing

FELICITACIONES: Former Nicaraguan music teacher Acencion Inestroza, center, played in a salsa band in his home country. After relocating to Western North Carolina, he encountered mariachi music and met his wife, Acela, left, who encouraged him to pursue the traditional Mexican compositions. Today, he and his band, Mariachi Fiesta Tapatia, play local quinceañeras, weddings and other festivities. Photo by Victor Palomino

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time. I missed my family and my coun-

One day, his cousin invited him to a

and they were out of tune. Inestroza

try,” he says. “The language was hard,

party. There, a group of young musi-

talked to the musicians, tuned the

and I was far from what I love to do.”

cians was playing mariachi music —

instruments and joined the serenades.

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Later that night, he became part of the band.

‘ALL ABOUT HAPPINESS’ Mariachi music was not initially Inestroza’s strong suit. He grew up listening to traditional country music from Nicaragua and played piano in a salsa band. But it didn’t take him long before he was playing violin and trumpet, mariachi-style. “[The switch] from playing a tropical style of music was a big change,” he says, but “the mariachi interpretation is all about happiness.”

Inestroza reconnected to music but wasn’t convinced he was going to make a living from it. His wife, Acela Inestroza, had other ideas. They met through a band member, and after they were married, she let him know that he was a good musician, but he needed to make a decision. “She told me to pick up the violin and play, and I did,” says Inestroza, who now performs full time.

According to Inestroza, the word mariachi has been used since French colonization in Mexico, when the native musicians who entertained at parties and weddings adopted the

French word for wedding — mariage.

“It also means to dress for a party, in the Otomi language,” he adds. The Otomi people are an indigenous ethnic group in central Mexico.

In Mexico, mariachis (and their flashy outfits) are also known as charros, for the traditional horseman. The image of the modern mariachi was exported to the world during the golden age of the Mexican film industry, from the ’30s to the ’50s. Today, the mariachi is — after the taco — one of the most recognized symbols of Mexican culture.

“What I like about mariachi is the connection with the people,” says Inestroza. “When you put on the mariachi outfit, people talk to you. They want to take a picture with you.”

In Western North Carolina, mariachi bands are popular in quinceañeras, the celebration for the transition from childhood to adulthood for teenage Latinas. U.S. census data estimates about 256,000 Latino-identified people living in Buncombe County last year, and 114,000 in Henderson County, so there’s plenty of occasion for traditional musicians. “We go from table to table [and] people ask for their favorite songs and sing with us,” says

Inestroza. That chance to relate is what makes his job special: “I’m satisfied at the end of the day.”

GUITARRÓNS AND GALONES Today, at age 54, Inestroza leads the five-piece Mariachi Fiesta Tapatia. He uses every opportunity to make connections that lead to bookings for private events, like weddings and birthdays. “You have to find the job, talk to the customers,” he says. “That’s how we work.”

Inestroza has noticed that English speakers are starting to appreciate the mariachi sounds. “They love the music,” he says. But, “when I work with Americans, I use a [softer] volume. They have a sensitive ear for music.”

The life of the mariachi is not different from any other musician. It requires practicing the craft and working on the business side. But, when it comes to finding the traditional instruments like guitarrón and vihuela, and the traditional charro outfit, mariachi life can be a challenge. “I order mine from a tailor in Mexico,” Inestroza says of the special

galones and bottoms that adorn the mariachi outfit.

Along with regular gigs, occasional music lessons and instrument repairs, Inestroza organizes the 10-member mariachi band (an expanded version of Mariachi Fiesta Tapatia for festivals and big events). The group is composed of musicians of different ages and backgrounds because he knows the importance of everyone having an opportunity to express their talents. “One of the violin players is 90 years old,” he says.

“If someone has the desire to work, they can work with me.” Despite a long journey, Inestroza’s philosophy hasn’t changed much from when he was a teacher in Nicaragua.

One of his dreams is a communitybased music education group where he can train the next generation of mariachis. “It can be our contribution as Latinos,” he says of his vision: a space where people can learn music, dance and art from different cultures.

“I want to do this with the community [and] involve as many people as possible,” he says. “People want to learn the traditional songs, and I’m grateful to have found this music.”

Learn more about Mariachi Fiesta Tapatia at facebook.com/choninB64 X

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A&E

by Lauren Stepp

lstepp98@gmail.com

TURNING THE PAGE In Olive Tilford Dargan’s 1932 novel, Call Home the Heart, a penniless, pregnant woman named Ishma Waycaster navigates life in a rural North Carolina mill village. There, she confronts the abuses of paternalism, capitalism and racism, all while fighting to produce and provide. It’s a double-bind that Dargan, also known by her pseudonym, Fielding Burke, experienced firsthand during the Gastonia Mill strike.

“Dargan was a poet and playwright in the early 20th century, writing in a romantic vein,” says Kathy Ackerman, dean of arts and sciences at Isothermal Community College in Spindale. “But once she became a full-time resident of Western North Carolina and had tenant farmers living on her land, her keen awareness of the oppression of the American working classes crystallized into action. She was tormented by what she perceived to be the unique oppression of Appalachian women.”

Today, some 90 years after Dargan released her jarring text, everything has changed, and nothing has. “In fact, I believe Dargan’s novels are more timely than ever,” says Ackerman.

“Her voice is badly needed now.”

Ackerman will discuss Dargan as part of a new female-author series sponsored by the Wilma Dykeman Legacy. The program features lectures on five writers — Dargan, Ellen Glasgow, Zora Neale Hurston, Julia Peterkin and Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings — and three film showings. It launches Thursday, Aug. 10, and runs through Thursday, Dec. 14, at the West Asheville Library.

Jim Stokely, president of the Wilma Dykeman Legacy and son of the author for whom the organization is named, says the series (made possible in part by funding from the N.C. Humanities Council) was inspired by Dargan. Like the other women, she’s a testament to extreme social injustice. “They represent true gender discrimination,” says Stokely, “the effects of which can be seen in their writing.”

Dykeman, best known for her defense of the French Broad River, even paid Dargan a “tribute visit” in her late age. Then living in Asheville, Dargan had become something of a local legend (a historical marker on Haywood Road commemorates her work). Of course, she wasn’t always considered prolific. During the 1930s, her communist sympathizing and relations with socialist Rose Pastor Stokes didn’t bode well 38

AUG. 9 - 15, 2017

The Wilma Dykeman Legacy honors women writers in new lecture series “What are the relationships between humans and their natural environment?” and “What does it mean to be American in the eyes of these writers?” For Ackerman, who has been studying Dargan’s works for 20 years, the last question affords a complicated answer.

“Dargan experienced America at its worst — as a nation astounding in its reactionary and regressive beliefs. She was wide awake to the abuses of one class upon another, of one race upon another, of one sex upon another,” says Ackerman. “But she had hope.

She knew it could be better.”

Even today, the writer would likely argue the same. X

Lecture series schedule OPEN BOOK: Nationally recognized poet and playwright Olive Tilford Dargan, center, with Virginia T. Lathrop, left, and Annie Westall, shared her work on July 12, 1955, at the Pack Memorial Library. Though criticized for her socialist views, Dargan’s gritty depiction of rural North Carolina forever changed Southern literature. Photo courtesy of North Carolina Collection, Pack Memorial Public Library

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with readers. According to Ackerman, red-baiting “cloaked Dargan’s work in obscurity,” limiting her early impact on Southern literature.

Lucinda MacKethan, professor emerita of English at N.C. State University, argues that Glasgow had a more immediate influence on the genre. “She is the matriarch of a modernist movement,” says MacKethan. Rightfully, the series begins with a discussion of Glasgow’s novel, Barren Ground, on Aug. 10.

Published in 1925, Barren Ground follows Dorinda Oakley, a female maverick who brings sustainable growing methods to her family’s fallow farm. Like Glasgow, who had several interesting love affairs but never fell into matrimony, Oakley gets by without a husband for much of the text. The men who do enter her life, including beau Nathan Pedlar, don’t stay for long, most succumbing to illness.

In isolating Oakley, Glasgow proves that women can be both feminine and strong — the two aren’t mutually exclusive.

According to MacKethan, Barren Ground also demarcates an important shift in genre. “Glasgow thought Southern literature needed more blood and irony,” she says. “She put that into her writing when most texts tended to be

idealistic.” The author ditched romanticized depictions of a bucolic South and instead documented the strife that came with industrialization. Other writers would soon follow her lead.

Despite the rising success of female writers in the 20th century, literary pundits continued to place more emphasis on their male counterparts (e.g., Cummings, Hemmingway, Fitzgerald). Stokely says his mother experienced this firsthand.

Living in the South, Dykeman fought greedy paternalism and biblical sexism, confronting issues like segregation and water pollution years before her time.

“The chances of her — an unknown female mountain writer — getting something published by a New York publisher was zero percent,” says Stokely.

That’s why it took nearly 50 years for Dykeman’s memoir to hit shelves.

Discovered as a typewritten manuscript, Family of Earth: A Southern Mountain Childhood was published posthumously last year. “Mother fought obstacles every day of her life,” Stokely says. “She knew in her bones the struggle these writers went through.”

Stokely expects the series to ignite discussion not only on sexism, but also big questions like: “What is realism?”

All events are held at the West Asheville Library, 942 Haywood Road, from 5:30-7 p.m. and are free. wilmadykemanlegacy.org Thursday, Aug. 10 • Lucinda MacKethan presents Barren Ground by Ellen Glasgow Thursday, Sept. 7 • Film screening of Cheating the Stillness: The World of Julia Peterkin Thursday, Sept. 14 • Susan Williams presents Scarlet Sister Mary by Julia Peterkin Thursday, Oct. 12 • Kathy Ackerman presents Call Home the Heart by Olive Tilford Dargan Wednesday, Nov. 8 • Film screening of Creative Fire: The Life of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Thursday, Nov. 9 • Brent Kinser presents Cross Creek

by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Thursday, Dec. 7 • Film screening of Zora’s Roots: The Life of Zora Neale Hurston Thursday, Dec. 14 • Sharon Jones presents Dust Tracks on a Road by Zora Neale Hurston

A&E

by Bill Kopp

bill@musoscribe.com

CARRYING A TORCH (SONG) Paula Hanke and Peggy Ratusz honor Linda Ronstadt in kickoff of concert series Peggy Ratusz and Paula Hanke are probably among the best-known musical performers in Asheville. Both have played on nearly every stage in town, singing everything from blues to country and pop to jazz, and most everything in between. Friends since 2007, they’ve collaborated before, but the pair’s newest endeavor is perhaps their most ambitious yet. “Love Is a Rose: Celebrating the Music of Torch Singer Linda Ronstadt” is planned as the first in an ongoing project, the Women Who Make Music History Concert Series.

The opening “Love Is a Rose” performance is Sunday, Aug. 13, at the Tryon Fine Arts Center.

Ratusz came up with the original Women Who Make Music History concept, designed to spotlight the music of important musical figures. “But we don’t like the word tribute,” she says.

We like celebrating, because we don’t copy. We interpret.“ Some of the artists Hanke and Ratusz have celebrated in the past — both together and individually — include Billie Holiday, Bonnie Raitt and Etta James.

“We want to get a message out to our younger sisters who might watch the show,” Hanke says. “We want to let them know about these amazing women and what they’ve done; the decisions they made that changed music.”

“We want to inspire them to follow their dreams,” Ratusz says.

But most of the shows Ratusz and Hanke had booked were in smaller venues. And as much as both women enjoy playing locals bars and listening rooms, they wanted to expand their reach. “I don’t want to always be in a bar until 2 in the morning,” Ratusz admits. “I did it for six nights a week for many decades.” She and Hanke believe that a concert in the setting of a performing arts center takes things to a different level for both audience and performer.

Noting that performing arts centers often feature improved sound, lighting and other professional production values, Ratusz says that she believes playing in that kind of room gets the point across more effectively. “We want the subtleties of our voices to be heard,” she says. “And we want the subtleties of our message in each song to be

SIMPLE DREAMS: Local singers Peggy Ratusz, left, and Paula Hanke celebrate the music of Linda Ronstadt in “Love Is a Rose,” planned as the first in their ambitious Women Who Make Music History Concert Series. Photo by Scott Treadway heard, because we tell the story of these women while we’re singing.”

Ratusz and Hanke have already begun the long-term process of promoting the Women Who Make History concept to the network of booking agents who schedule shows at performing arts centers across the country. They’ll be playing at a showcase for agents in September. Like the Tryon concert, the showcase set will feature narrative and audiovisual material in support of the live music.

So, while their continuing plans call for multiple shows in various venues, right now both women are focusing their energies on the upcoming “Love is a Rose” concert. “We have to work on one show at a time,” Ratusz explains, “and we started with this one because it’s timely.” After a long and successful career, Ronstadt was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2012; the condition left her unable to sing.

When Ratusz and Hanke attended their first conference of booking agents, they suggested the idea of celebrating Ronstadt’s music. “People kind of lit up when we talked about Linda,” Ratusz says. “They said things like, ‘Oh, great. I love her!’” Ronstadt’s appeal has always extended across multiple styles, from

“Different Drum,” her early hit with the Stone Poneys; to her new wave period (1980’s Mad Love); to her albums of torch song standards with conductor Nelson Riddle.

Both women make a point of noting that the summits of performers and booking agents were not at all cutthroat and competitive. “We were really taken by the camaraderie and the networking,” Hanke says. The organization for Hanke

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and Ratusz’s home region — the North Carolina Consortium – sponsors several “bull chat” meetings each year.

“Everybody’s invited: artists, agents, theater directors,” Hanke says. Workshops focus on topics of interest to all, and there’s a great deal of collaboration. “They work together to help everyone,” Hanke says. But, in the end, performers still have to compete to sell their idea to booking agents.

Hanke and Ratusz have a GoFundMe campaign to help fund their front-end efforts for the Women Who Make History Concert Series. Its goal is $20,000. “For every show, we need a new stage plot,” Ratusz says.

Each production also needs a “sizzle reel,” a short video designed to win over those agents. And those things cost money.

The “Love Is a Rose” performance is both the beginning of a new show and the first in a much larger, more ambitious project for Hanke and Ratusz. And they aim to get every detail just right, Hanke says. “The arrangements, the harmonies, the costumes ...”

Ratusz finishes her friend’s sentence. “The multimedia, the staging, the lighting. Everything.”

Hanke gets the last word: “We’re out to elevate everything to make the concert series successful.” X

WHAT Love Is a Rose: Celebrating the Music of Torch Singer Linda Ronstadt WHERE Tryon Fine Arts Center 34 Melrose Ave. Tryon, tryonarts.org WHEN Sunday, Aug. 13, 7 p.m. $22

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SMART BETS

A&E

by Edwin Arnaudin | Send your arts news to ae@mountainx.com

40

Christopher Swann

Entanglements

Now chair of the English department at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School in Atlanta, where he’s taught for 21 years, Christopher Swann spent his own high school days in Asheville. The author returns to that time of life in his new novel, Shadow of the Lions, which unspools at the prestigious Blackburne prep school. The thriller follows an alumnus who is hired as an English professor nearly a decade after graduating and attempts to solve the disappearance of a classmate whose fate he’s long felt was somehow his fault and is at the root of his arrested development. A new student death, a powerful Washington, D.C., family, and the prep school’s politics also come into play. Swann will discuss his most recent book at Malaprop’s on Thursday, Aug. 10, at 7 p.m. Free. malaprops.com. Author photo by Kathy Ferrell Swann

What do you get when you combine a painter (Linda Larsen), a practitioner of the Japanese dance theater butoh (Constance Humphries), a projection designer and documentary filmmaker (Adam Larsen) and an electronic artist (Kimathi Moore) with a penchant for gathering found sounds in random locations? Not an elaborate setup to a punchline, but something even more intriguing: a multimedia presentation appropriately titled Entanglements. The show debuts at the Revolve Project Space on Friday, Aug. 11, at 8 p.m. Another iteration is set for Saturday, Sept. 2, at 8 p.m. $10 for each show/$15 for both. There will also be a free Entanglements panel discussion on Thursday, Aug. 17, at 7:30 p.m. revolveavl.org. Photo of Constance Humphries courtesy of the artist

Sweet Knives

Waxahatchee

Memphis-based “black-wave synth-punk band” Lost Sounds was the launching pad for frontman Jay Reatard’s solo career. Five years after his 2010 passing, Reatard’s former songwriting partner Alicja Trout, drummer Rich Crook and guitarist John Garland put aside the differences that caused the band to break up in 2005 and revisited Lost Sounds’ 100-plus song catalog. Joined by bassist Johnny Valiant, the reunited collaborators have adopted the moniker Sweet Knives (a nod to a Lost Sounds song) and recorded a self-titled debut, set for an August release. The quartet carries on the tradition of Lost Sounds’ wild live performances — albeit with what the band calls “a new delivery, less likely to fall apart and fall offstage” — at The Mothlight on Friday, Aug. 11, at 9:30 p.m.

The Missing Stares and The Chickenhawks open. $8. themothlight.com. Photo courtesy of Sweet Knives

As the headliner of an evening of solo acoustic performances at the Masonic Temple on St. Patrick’s Day this year, Katie Crutchfield played — under the moniker Waxahatchee — multiple new songs from a then-forthcoming album. With Out in the Storm now available, the Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter returns to Asheville with a full band, fleshing out those compositions and more. Like her sister and bandmate Allison Crutchfield’s collection Tourist in This Town (released earlier this year), Katie’s latest writings confront the end of a romantic relationship. She calls it “a very honest record about a time in which I was not honest with myself.” Waxahatchee plays The Grey Eagle on Sunday, Aug. 13, at 8 p.m. A pair of rock trios — Boston’s Palehound and Baltimore’s Outer Spaces — open. $15 advance/$18 day of show. thegreyeagle.com. Photo by Jesse Riggins

AUG. 9 - 15, 2017

MOUNTAINX.COM

by Abigail Griffin

A&E CA LEN DA R

DAVID WILCOX AT JUBILEE: Asheville singer-songwriter David Wilcox returns to Jubilee Community Church to help celebrate the congregation’s 23rd anniversary on Friday Aug. 11, at 7 p.m. “It’s almost hard to believe that Jubilee has been around for 23 years,” says Wilcox. “I remember some of those early gatherings in the basement of the Methodist church. Howard [Hanger] and the staff and the folks who were there at the start, and everyone who has joined in over the years, have built a place to celebrate, and I’m excited to be going back there to play this show.” Tickets are $22. For more information, visit jubileecommnity.org. Photo of David Wilcox by Doug Seymour courtesy of the artist (p. 42) ART ARROWHEAD GALLERY 78 Catawba Ave., Old Fort, 828-668-1100 • SU (8/13), 2-4pm - "Watercolor Spacescapes," class to learn to use watercolors to create galaxy scenes.

Registration required: 828668-1100. Free.

ODYSSEY COOPERATIVE ART GALLERY 238 Clingman Ave., 828285-9700, facebook.com/ odysseycoopgallery • 2nd SATURDAYS, 11am5pm - "Second Saturday Celebration," event with food, music and artist demonstrations. Free to attend.

TRANSYLVANIA COMMUNITY ARTS COUNCIL 349 S. Caldwell St., Brevard, 828-884-2787, tcarts.org • Through FR (8/11) - Art Spark, preview exhibition for Art Spark auction.

TRYON ARTS AND CRAFTS SCHOOL 373 Harmon Field Road, Tryon, 828-859-8323 • TH (8/10), noon-1pm - Crafts & Conversation Series: "Cherokee Traditions from The Hands of our Elders," with Anna Fariello. Free.

ART/CRAFT STROLLS & FAIRS BREVARD COLLEGE 1 Brevard College Drive, Brevard, 828-883-8292, brevard.edu • FR (8/11) & SA (8/12), 9am-5pm - Outdoor handcrafters guild fair art and craft fair. Free to attend.

MOONLIT ART MARKET burialbeer.com • WE (8/9), 8-11pm - Local arts and crafts market.

Free to attend. Held at Burial Beer Co., 40 Collier Ave.

AUDITIONS & CALL TO ARTISTS ASHEVILLE SYMPHONY CHORUS ashevillesymphonychorus. com • TU (8/15), 3-8pm - Open auditions. Registration required: mlancastercond@gmail.com. Held at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 10 North Liberty St. ASHEVILLE YOUTH CHOIRS ashevilleyouthchoirs.org • TH (8/17), 4-7pm - Open auditions for the 20172018 season. Registration required: ashevilleyouthchoirs.org. Held at First Baptist Church of Asheville, 5 Oak St. BREVARD LITTLE THEATRE 55 E. Jordan St., Brevard, 828-884-2587, TheBrevardLittleTheatre. org • SA (8/12), 2-5pm & MO (8/14), 7-9pm Open auditions for A Connecticut Yankee in

King Arthur's Court. All ages. More information: TheBrevardLittleTheatre@ gmail.com.

MAHEC 121 Hendersonville Road, 828-257-4400 • Through TU (9/5) - Visual art submissions accepted for MAHEC's ACEs Resilience Art Show. Information: Resilienceartshow@gmail. com or sys.mahec.net/ce/ aces2017.aspx.

MUSIC AFRICAN DRUM LESSONS AT SKINNY BEATS DRUM SHOP (PD.) Sundays 2pm, Wednesdays 6pm. Billy Zanski teaches a fun approach to connecting with your inner rhythm.

Drop-ins welcome. Drums provided. $15/class. (828) 768-2826. www.skinnybeatsdrums. com

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BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY RANGER PROGRAMS 828-295-3782, ggapio@gmail.com • SA (8/12), 7pm Campfire concert by master flute maker and flute player Lee Entrekin. Free. Held at Julian Price Picnic Ground, MP 297, Blowing Rock

by Abigail Griffin

PICKIN’ IN THE PARK • FRIDAYS through (8/25) - Outdoor bluegrass concert with clogging. Free. Held at Canton Recreational Park, Penland St., Canton CITY OF ASHEVILLE 828-251-1122, ashevillenc.gov • FRIDAYS, 6-10pm - Asheville outdoor drum circle. Free. Held

at Pritchard Park, 4 College St. FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE DOWNTOWN 125 S. Main St., Hendersonville, 828693-0731, flatrockplayhouse.org • FRIDAYS through SUNDAYS until (8/13) - Motown Summer Nights. Fri. & Sat.: 8pm. Sat. & Sun.: 2pm. $15-$30.

JUBILEE! COMMUNITY CHURCH 46 Wall St. • FR (8/11), 7pm - David Wilcox and Peter Mayer concert. $22.

• SU (8/13), 7:30pm - Jubilee! Summer Orchestra "Northern Lights" concert featuring works by Sibelius, Grieg's Peer Gynt, Bjork, Ingrid Michaelson. With guest singer Lilah Price. $5.

MUSIC ON MAIN 828-693-9708, historichendersonville. org • FR (8/11), 7pm Outdoor live music event featuring Dashboard Blue. Free.

Held at Hendersonville Visitor Center, 201 S. Main St., Hendersonville PUBSING 828-254-1114 • 2nd SUNDAYS, 6-8pm - Gospel jam and sing-along. Optional snack time at 5:30pm.

Free to attend. Held at French Broad Brewery, 101 Fairview Road RHYTHM & BREWS CONCERT SERIES 828-233-3216, facebook.com/ rhythmandbrewshendersonville • TH (8/17), 5-9pm Outdoor concert featuring Come Back Alice, Southern gypsy funk.

Free. Held at South Main Street, 301 S. Main St., Hendersonville SHINDIG ON THE GREEN 828-258-6101, x345, folkheritage.org • SATURDAYS through (9/2) - Outdoor oldtimey and folk music jam sessions and concert. Free. Held at Pack Square Park, 121 College St.

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MOUNTAINX.COM

TRYON FINE ARTS CENTER 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon, 828- 859-8322, tryonarts.org • SU (8/13), 7pm - "Love is a Rose: The Music of Linda Ronstadt," tribute concert from regional musicians. $22.

THEATER BREVARD LITTLE THEATRE 55 E. Jordan St., Brevard, 828-884-2587, TheBrevardLittleTheatre. org • FRIDAYS through SUNDAYS (8/11) until (8/27) - Rainmaker, comedy. Fri. & Sat.: 7:30pm.

Sun.: 3pm. $18/$12 student/$6 children.

FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE 2661 Highway 225, Flat Rock, 828-693-0731, flatrockplayhouse.org • WEDNESDAYS through SUNDAYS until (8/20) - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, musical.

Wed. & Thurs.: 7:30pm.

Fri. & Sat.: 8pm. Wed., Thurs., Sat. & Sun.: 2pm. $15 and up.

MONTFORD PARK PLAYERS 828-254-5146, montfordparkplayers. org • FRIDAYS through SUNDAYS until (9/2), 7:30pm - Peter Pan. The Montford Moppets student troupe, present Macbeth at 6:30pm.

Free. Held at Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre, 92 Gay St. PARKWAY PLAYHOUSE 13 Green Mountain Drive, Burnsville, 828682-4285, parkwayplayhouse.com • FRIDAYS through SUNDAYS until (8/19) Footloose, musical. Fri. & Sat.: 7:30pm. Sun.: 3pm. $22/$20 seniors, students & military/$12 for children.

THE MAGNETIC THEATRE 375 Depot St., 828-2794155 • THURSDAYS through SUNDAYS until (8/19) - Six Knots, comedy/ drama. 7:30pm. $10-16.

GALLERY DIRECTORY • Through TH (8/31) - Exhibition of the jewelry of Emily Rogstad.

Reception: Thursday, Aug. 10, 5-8pm.

ODYSSEY COOPERATIVE ART GALLERY 238 Clingman Ave., 828-285-9700, facebook.com/odysseycoopgallery • Through TH (8/31) - Exhibition of ceramic art by Trish Salmon, Denise Baker and other gallery members.

PENLAND SCHOOL OF CRAFTS 67 Doras Trail, Bakersville, 828-7652359, penland.org • Through (9/17) - Parched | Inverted Landscapes, exhibition of work by Susan Goethel Campbell.

ART GALLERY EXHIBITIONS TANDEM GALLERY 20 North Mitchell St., Bakersville • Through TH (8/31) - Exhibition of ceramic art by Noel Bailey.

AMERICAN FOLK ART AND FRAMING 64 Biltmore Ave., 828-281-2134, amerifolk.com • Through WE (8/23) - 2017 Coming Home, group exhibition of folk art.

ART AT MARS HILL UNIVERSITY mhu.edu • Through FR (8/11) - Lineage: Celebrating Rock Creek Pottery, exhibition. Held at Weizenblatt Art Gallery at MHU, 79 Cascade St, Mars Hill ART AT UNCA art.unca.edu • Through SA (9/9) - The HolocaustEra Gross-Breesen Farm for Jewish Youth, multimedia exhibition.

Reception: Saturday, Sept. 9, 3-5pm.

Held at UNC Asheville - Ramsey Library, 1 University Heights ARTS COUNCIL OF HENDERSON COUNTY 828-693-8504, acofhc.org • Through FR (8/18) - Bring Us Your Best, juried all-media art exhibition.

Held at Blue Ridge Community College, 180 West Campus Drive, Flat Rock ASHEVILLE ART MUSEUM ON THE SLOPE 175 Biltmore Ave., ashevilleart.org • Through SU (9/17) - Home Land, exhibition of the art of southeastern Native Americans.

ASHEVILLE GALLERY OF ART 82 Patton Ave., 828-251-5796, ashevillegallery-of-art.com • Through TH (8/31) - True Colors, paintings of Anne Bonnyman and Jane Snyder.

BLACK MOUNTAIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS 225 W. State St., Black Mountain, 828669-0930, blackmountainarts.org • Through FR (9/1) - Sibling Artistry, photos and fiber art of sisters Joye Ardyn Durham and Jan Durham.

CALDWELL ARTS COUNCIL 601 College Ave SW, Lenoir, 828754-2486 • Through SA (9/30) - Modern Traditions, group exhibition of furniture, paintings and photography.

photography, and sculptural installation.

SEVEN SISTERS GALLERY 117 Cherry St., Black Mountain, 828669-5107, sevensistersgallery.com • Through SU (10/29) - Exhibtion of oil paintings by Joyce Shlapkohl.

TRANSYLVANIA COMMUNITY ARTS COUNCIL 349 S. Caldwell St., Brevard, 828-8842787, tcarts.org • WE (8/16) through FR (9/15) Through the Needle’s Eye 2017, The Embroiderers' Guild of America national touring exhibition.

THE HAEN GALLERY 52 Biltmore Ave., 828-254-8577, thehaengallery.com • Through TH (8/31) - A Summer Configuration, exhibition with works

by Joyce Garner, Ursula Gullow and Tim Anderson.

POSANA CAFE 1 Biltmore Ave., 828-505-3969 • Through TH (8/31) - CLOUDS, group art show on the theme of climate change.

TOE RIVER ARTS COUNCIL 828-765-0520, toeriverarts.org • Through SA (8/19) - Inheritance, group exhibition. Held at Spruce Pine TRAC Gallery, 269 Oak Ave., Spruce Pine • FR (8/11) & SA (8/12), 9am-6pm & SU (8/13), 9am-3pm - On The Fringe, group exhibition featuring woodfired clay, sculpture and glass art. Held at Spruce Pine TRAC Gallery, 269 Oak Ave., Spruce Pine

PUBLIC EVENTS AT A-B TECH 828-398-7900, abtech.edu • Through TU (9/5) - Exhibition of Ann Vasilik watercolors. Reception: Friday, Aug. 11, 5-7pm. Held at

TRACEY MORGAN GALLERY 188 Coxe Ave TraceyMorganGallery. com • Through SA (9/24) - Transplants, group exhibition featuring painting,

PINK DOG CREATIVE 348 Depot St., pinkdog-creative.com • Through SU (8/13) - Streets of Ashe, exhibition of photography by Elia Lehman.

UNC ASHEVILLE HOLOCAUST EXHIBITION: The newest exhibition at the UNC Asheville Blowers Gallery in Ramsey Library tells the story of the Gross-Breesen Holocaust-era agricultural training farm for Jewish youths that was established on the German-Polish border before World War II. The farm helped Jewish youths escape mounting Nazi oppression before the start of the Holocaust. The exhibition is a mix of original photographs taken at Gross-Breesen, documentary footage and interviews of deceased and living Gross-Breesen alumni. A closing reception with the exhibition’s curator, New York City-based photographer Steve Strauss, and some of the Gross-Breesen relatives, will be held in the gallery from 3-5 p.m. on the exhibition’s final day, Saturday, Sept. 9. For more information, visit library.unca. edu or grossbreesen.com. Photo courtesy of UNC Asheville

A-B Tech Conference Center, 16 Fernihurst Drive

WOOLWORTH WALK 25 Haywood St., 828-254-9234 • Through WE (8/30) - Julie CalhounRoepnack + Paul Moberg, exhibition of ceramic and mixed media.

YANCEY COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 321 School Circle, Burnsville, 828682-2600 • Through SA (9/9) - BRAGging Rights, Blue Ridge Fine Arts Guild exhibition.

ZAPOW! 150 Coxe Ave., Suite 101, 828-5752024, zapow.net • Through SA (9/2) - Attack of the Cult Movies, group exhibition.

Contact the galleries for admission hours and fees

FLOOD GALLERY FINE ART CENTER 2160 US Highway 70, Swannanoa, 828-273-3332, floodgallery.org/ • Through SA (9/16) - Repurposed Found & Pirated Altered Art, exhibition of repurposed and altered collages by Tom Johanson.

GREEN SAGE CAFE - WESTGATE 70 Westgate Parkway, 828-785-1780, greensagecafe.com • Through SU (10/15) - Asheville Mandala Art Meditation, exhibition of reconstructed photographic cityscapes on silk, canvas, metal and clothing by Wendy Newman.

GREEN SAGE CAFE SOUTH 1800 Hendersonville Road • Through SU (10/1) - Beloved Bears, photography exhibit.

MICA FINE CONTEMPORARY CRAFT 37 N. Mitchell Ave., Bakersville, 828688-6422, micagallerync.com • Through SU (10/15) - Flights of Fancy, mixed media exhibition featuring work by Josh Cote, Elizabeth Brim, Shane Fero and Mary Webster.

MORA CONTEMPORARY JEWELRY 9 Walnut St., 828-575-2294, moracollection.com

MOUNTAINX.COM

AUG. 9 - 15, 2017

43

CLUBLAND

SERVICE INDUSTRY NIGHT! Drink Specials

Thursdays ● 11pm - 2am 39 S. Market St. ● theblockoffbiltmore.com

BRANCHING OUT: Sometimes, the best things in life spring from spontaneity. Such was the case for Ohio-based roots outfit The Gage Brothers: from impromptu jam sessions in 2014 to the release of their eponymous sophomore album this past May, the brothersin-song’s jangling, infectious brand of Americana has garnered attention across the East Coast and Midwest. Catch The Gage Brothers as they cruise through WNC for a 9 p.m. show Saturday, Aug. 12 at Asheville’s One World Brewing, followed by an afternoon jaunt at Sierra Nevada on Sunday, Aug. 13 at 2 p.m. Photo courtesy of Michael J. Media WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9

CORK & KEG 3 Cool Cats (vintage rock ‘n’ roll), 7:30PM

185 KING STREET Vinyl Night, 6:00PM

CREPE BOURREE Gypsy Duets, 7:00PM

5 WALNUT WINE BAR Les Amis (African folk), 8:00PM

DOUBLE CROWN Western Wednesday w/ Bryan Marshall & His Payday Knights (classic country covers), 8:00PM Classic Country Vinyl w/ DJ David Wayne Gay, 10:00PM

550 TAVERN & GRILLE Karaoke, 8:00PM ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR Hank Bones or Kon Tiki, 7:30PM BARLEY’S TAPROOM & PIZZERIA Dr. Brown’s Team Trivia, 8:30PM BEN’S TUNE-UP Pierce Edens (blues, Appalachian folk), 7:00PM

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AUG. 9 - 15, 2017

MOUNTAINX.COM

FBO AT HOMINY CREEK Bellyak, Beers & Bluegrass Fun Run, 6:00PM GOOD STUFF Jim Hampton & friends perform “Eclectic Country” (jam), 7:00PM

BLUE MOUNTAIN PIZZA & BREW PUB Open Mic w/ Mark Bumgarner, 7:00PM

GREY EAGLE MUSIC HALL & TAVERN R. RING w/ Emily Easterly, 8:00PM

BURGER BAR Double Trouble Karaoke w/ Dee & Quinn, All Day

HABITAT TAVERN & COMMONS Art Opening: Victor Palomino, 7:00PM

HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY Woody Wood Wednesdays (rock, soul, funk), 5:30PM Asheville Comedy Festival, 8:00PM ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 Chris Watts Band, 7:00PM JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Old-time session, 5:00PM LAZY DIAMOND Killer Karaoke w/ KJ Tim O, 10:00PM LOBSTER TRAP Cigar Brothers, 6:30PM LONDON DISTRICT STUDIOS Gypsy Jazz at The London, 7:30PM MG ROAD Salsa Night w/ DJ Mexicano Isaac, 7:00PM ODDITORIUM Synergy Story Slam, 7:30PM The Aisles of Jane Doe (metal, rock), 9:30PM

ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Evil Note Lab, 10:00PM ONE WORLD BREWING Stevie Lee Combs, 9:00PM OSKAR BLUES BREWERY The Berlyn Trio (jazz, funk, soul), 6:00PM PULP Satchel Anders & Freedom w/ Loot & DJ Salty, 9:00PM PISGAH BREWING COMPANY The Clydes (bluegrass, Americana), 6:00PM POST 25 Albi & The Lifters (American swing, French chanson), 7:00PM POUR TAPROOM Music Bingo!, 7:00PM SALVAGE STATION RnB Wednesday Jam Night w/ Ryan RnB Barber & friends, 8:00PM

OPEN MIC

SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN BREWERY Jenny Reynolds & Todd Hoke, 6:00PM THE BLOCK OFF BILTMORE Indivisible Asheville, 5:30PM Female Artist Spotlight Night w/ Peggy Ratusz, Anastasia “An Ya” Yarborough, Anne Rachel & Big Al Pearlman, 7:30PM THE MOTHLIGHT Laetitia Sadier Source Ensemble w/ Art Feynman & Luke Temple (pop, rock), 9:00PM THE SOUTHERN Asheville Comedy Festival, 10:30PM TIMO’S HOUSE Island Vibes w/ DJ Roy (roots, reggae), 9:00PM

BEN’S TUNE-UP Savannah Smith & The Southern Soul (country, roots, soul), 8:00PM BLACK MOUNTAIN ALE HOUSE Bluegrass Jam w/ The Big Deal Band, 8:00PM BLUE MOUNTAIN PIZZA & BREW PUB Matt Sellars (Americana, blues, roots), 7:00PM BURGER BAR Burger Bar Boogaloo!, All Day TRIVIA! w/ Ol’Gilly, 7:00PM

CREEKSIDE TAPHOUSE Reggae Thursdays w/ Station Underground (reggae, rock, jam), 8:00PM

WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN Roberta Baum (jazz), 7:30PM

CROW & QUILL Carolina Catskins (ragtime, jazz), 10:00PM

WILD WING CAFE Jordan Okrend (acoustic), 7:00PM

DIANA WORTHAM THEATRE Asheville Comedy Festival, 8:00PM

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10 5 WALNUT WINE BAR Pleasure Chest (blues, rock, soul), 8:00PM

8/08 ERICA RUSSO TAQUERIA 8/09 R. RING OPEN AT 11AM DAILY VADEN LANDERS + ERIC CALDWELL 8/10 HARVEST RECORDS + THEGREYEAGLE.COM 8/11 BURLESQUE! COMING SOON TACO THROWDOWN 8/12 8/12 BURLESQUE! 8/13 WAXAHATCHEE 8/17 THE WILD REEDS W/ KITTY TSUNAMI

w/ Emily (FT KELLEY DEAL OF THE BREEDERS) Easterly

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT

GEEKTASTIC:

A BURLESQUE REVUE

+ Tequila Tasting • Vote for AVL’s Best Tacos • 1:00- 4:00PM ASHEVILLE BURLESQUE PAGEANT

w/ Palehound, Outer Spaces

w/ Alexa Rose

8/18: Caleb Gilbert + Greg Payne and The Piedmont Boys 8/19: Culture Featuring Kenyatta Hill: 40th Anniversary Tour w/ Chalwa 8/20: An Evening with Martha Scanlan

8/22: Tyler Hilton w/ Christina Holmes

BYWATER Well Lit Strangers, 6:00PM

TRESSA’S DOWNTOWN JAZZ AND BLUES Invitational Blues & Soul Performance (blues, soul), 9:00PM

WILD WING CAFE SOUTH J Luke (acoustic), 6:30PM

Historic Live Music Venue Located At

185 CLINGMAN AVE • ASHEVILLE

THU WED TUE

BARLEY’S TAPROOM & PIZZERIA Alien Music Club (live jazz), 9:00PM

FRI

Karaoke!, 7:00PM

NIGHT EVERY MONDAY 7PM

SAT

ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR Will Ray & The Space Cooties, 7:30PM

THU SUN SAT

SANCTUARY BREWING COMPANY

this week only Friday • Aug 11th Clawhammer Oktoberfest Lager Release Party, 12-10pm

Thursday • Aug 17th Mountain Xpress Best of WNC Party! 5-10pm

Friday • Aug 18th Radical Departure Northeast IPA Brewery Only Can Release, 12-10pm

Friday • Aug 25th POW! Triple IPA Release 12-10pm

eVery week Thursdays:

Roots & Friends Open Jam: 6:30-8:30pm

extended hours Monday-Thursday 3-9pm Friday-Saturday 12-10pm Sunday 12-6pm

DOUBLE CROWN Sonic Satan Stew w/ DJ Alien Brain, 10:00PM FOGGY MOUNTAIN BREWPUB Circus Mutt (bluegrass), 9:00PM

12 Old Charlotte Hwy. Suite 200 Asheville, NC 28803 828-299-3370

FRENCH BROAD BREWERY Reed Turchi (Americana, blues), 6:00PM

highlandbrewing.com

THIS WEEK AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL

THIS WEEK AT THE ONE STOP:

THU 8/10 10pm Universal Sigh [Rock/Fusion] FRI 8/11 10pm Ye Ole Remedy [Bluegrass] SAT 8/12 2pm Scott Hannay of Mister F [Video Game Set] SAT 8/12 10pm Griffin Dean (of Stoop Kids) [Singer-Songwriter] UPCOMING SHOWS - ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL:

EMINENCE ENSEMBLE FRI 8/11 – 9 pm Suggested $5 Donation

SATURDAY NIGHT DANCE PARTY with DJ AVX

SAT 8/12 – 10 pm – Suggested $5 Donation

8/18 Hustle Souls w/ The Freeway Revival 8/25 The Broomstix 9/1 BEAT LIFE: Mobley, Professor Toon, Raj Mahal & Vietnam Jerry Tickets available at ashevillemusichall.com @avlmusichall MOUNTAINX.COM

@onestopasheville AUG. 9 - 15, 2017

45

LIVE MUSIC FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHT NO COVER CHARGE THURSDAY

MONDAY

THIRSTY THURSDAY

65¢ WINGS

ALL DRAFTS $3

FRIDAY

TUESDAY

AUGUST 11

MOUNTAIN SHAG

STEPP MILL GANG

SATURDAY

WEDNESDAY

AUGUST 12

KARAOKE W/ DJ DO IT

RYAN PERRY BAND

FULL MENU — 15 TAPS OPEN WEEKDAYS 4 PM OPEN FOR LUNCH, FRI-SUN NOON Located Next to Clarion Inn — 550 Airport Road Fletcher — 550tavern.com — www.facebook.com/550TavernGrille

Mountain Xpress Presents

HIGHLAND BREWING CO. AT

AUG. 17 * 5–9PM

FEATURING X AWARD WINNING BANDS, RADIO, FOOD TRUCKS, ICE CREAM, ENTERTAINMENT, T! & SPECIAL E VEN BREWS

FRE E

CLU B LA N D GREY EAGLE MUSIC HALL & TAVERN The Senators (folk, rock, indie), 6:00PM Vaden Landers & Eric Caldwell (folk, oldtime, country), 9:00PM

THE BLOCK OFF BILTMORE Ladybirds (Appalachian blues, jazz, country), 8:30PM Service Industry Night w/ DJ Ra, 11:00PM

HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY East Side Social Ride, 6:00PM The Burden (film screening), 6:00PM Roots & friends open jam (blues, rock, roots), 7:00PM

THE FAIRVIEW TAVERN Live Band Karaoke & Open Jam w/ Old School, 8:30PM

ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 The Ladles, 7:00PM JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Bluegrass Open Jam Session, 7:00PM LAZY DIAMOND The Del Rios w/ The Krektones (surf rock), 10:00PM LOBSTER TRAP Hank Bones, 6:30PM ODDITORIUM Burlesque! Burlesque!

Burlesque! Battle: Vol. 5, 9:00PM ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Mitch’s Totally Rad Trivia, 6:30PM Universal Sigh (rock, fusion), 10:00PM ONE WORLD BREWING Alive by Sunrise (Southern rock), 9:00PM ORANGE PEEL Chris Robinson Brotherhood (blues, rock, psychedelic), 8:00PM OSKAR BLUES BREWERY Andy Ferrell (country), 6:00PM PACK’S TAVERN Steve Moseley duo (acoustic rock), 8:00PM PISGAH BREWING COMPANY The Appalucians (family show, Americana), 4:00PM Dumpstaphunk w/ Here Come The Mummies, 6:30PM

MOUNTAINX.COM

BURGER BAR Burger Bar Bike Night, All Day CORK & KEG Old-Time Jam, 8:00PM CROW & QUILL DJ Passe (old-time, victrola), 9:00PM DIANA WORTHAM THEATRE Asheville Comedy Festival, 8:00PM

TIMO’S HOUSE Bass Therapy w/ Your Allure, 8:00PM

DOUBLE CROWN Rock & Soul Obscurities w/ DJ Greg Cartwright, 10:00PM

TOWN PUMP Mitch Hayes (singersongwriter, folk, rock), 9:00PM

FLOOD GALLERY FINE ART CENTER Classic World Cinema, 8:00PM

TRESSA’S DOWNTOWN JAZZ AND BLUES Jesse Barry & The Jam (live music, dance), 9:00PM

FOGGY MOUNTAIN BREWPUB Palm Sweat Quartet (funk, jam), 10:00PM

UPCOUNTRY BREWING COMPANY Don Humphries (bluegrass), 6:30PM WEDGE BREWING CO. Pint Night w/ Trails Forever, 6:00PM WILD WING CAFE SOUTH Jason Wyatt (acoustic), 6:00PM WXYZ LOUNGE AT ALOFT HOTEL Stevie Lee Combs (singer-songwriter, juke, blues), 8:00PM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 11 185 KING STREET Cody Siniard & Ascending South w/ Spalding McIntosh, 8:00PM 5 WALNUT WINE BAR Firecracker Jazz Band (hot jazz), 9:00PM 550 TAVERN & GRILLE Stepp Mill Gang, 9:00PM

PURPLE ONION CAFE Jacob Johnson, 7:30PM

ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR Jody Carroll, 7:30PM

SALVAGE STATION Greg Humphreys Electric Trio, 8:30PM

ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Eminence Ensemble, 9:00PM

SWEETEN CREEK BREWING Vinyl Night, 6:30PM

AUG. 9 - 15, 2017

THE SOUTHERN Asheville Comedy Festival, 10:30PM

POUR TAPROOM Tunes at the Taps w/ Billy Litz, 7:00PM

SANCTUARY BREWING COMPANY Wintervals, 7:00PM

46

THE MOTHLIGHT Carly Taich w/ Maddie Shuler & Livingdog (folk, pop), 9:00PM

BLUE MOUNTAIN PIZZA & BREW PUB Acoustic Swing, 7:00PM

BEN’S TUNE-UP Live Mashup w/ Iggy Radio, 6:00PM DJ Kilby (vinyl set), 10:00PM

FRENCH BROAD BREWERY Monday Movement (indie, rock), 6:00PM FRENCH BROAD OUTFITTERS HOMINY CREEK Daddy Rabbit (blues), 6:00PM GREY EAGLE MUSIC HALL & TAVERN “Geektastic: A Burlesque Revue”, 9:00PM HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY Clawhammer release w/ Snake Oil Medicine Show, 12:00PM ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 David Earl & friends, 6:30PM Greg Ruby w/ Don Stiernberg & Kevin Kehrberg (west coast Gypsy jazz), 7:00PM The Ronstadt Brothers, 9:00PM JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble, 9:00PM LAZOOM BUS TOURS Lefties (original rock), 1:30PM LAZY DIAMOND Rotating rpm rock ‘n’ soul DJ, 10:00PM

ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Free Dead Fridays w/ members of Phuncle Sam, 5:00PM Ye Ole Remedy (bluegrass), 10:00PM ONE WORLD BREWING The Posey Quintet (swing), 9:00PM ORANGE PEEL Natural Wonder (Stevie Wonder tribute), 9:00PM OSKAR BLUES BREWERY Earleine (Americana), 6:00PM PACK’S TAVERN DJ MoTo (dance hits, pop), 9:30PM PILLAR ROOFTOP BAR 3 Cool Cats, 7:00PM PISGAH BREWING COMPANY Electric Monkey Wrench (Grateful Dead tribute), 8:00PM SALVAGE STATION Groove Fetish w/ Mister F, 9:00PM SANCTUARY BREWING COMPANY Further To Fly, 8:00PM THE BLOCK OFF BILTMORE Unite! Open mic night (sign up @ 7 p.m.), 7:00PM DJ Ra, 11:00PM THE GREENHOUSE MOTO CAFE Swamp Mud, 8:00PM THE MOTHLIGHT Sweet Knives w/ The Missing Stares & The Chickenhawks (garage rock, new wave), 9:30PM THE PILLAR 3 Cool Cats (vintage rock ‘n’ roll), 7:00PM THE SOUTHERN Asheville Comedy Festival, 10:30PM TIMO’S HOUSE G3ms, 8:00PM TOWN PUMP Holly & Elliot, 9:00PM TRESSA’S DOWNTOWN JAZZ AND BLUES Virginia & Rabbit Foot Swing (swing), 10:00PM

LOBSTER TRAP Phil Alley (jazz, folk), 6:30PM

UPCOUNTRY BREWING COMPANY Big Sky Revival, 9:00PM

MOE’S ORIGINAL BBQ WOODFIN Circus Mutt (bluegrass), 6:30PM

WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN Jonathan Byrd, 8:00PM

ODDITORIUM Florida Man (punk), 9:00PM

WILD WING CAFE Mike Snodgrass Duo (acoustic), 9:00PM

WILD WING CAFE SOUTH A Social Function (acoustic), 9:00PM

FROG LEVEL BREWERY Bend & Brew, 11:00AM

WXYZ LOUNGE AT ALOFT HOTEL DJ Abu Disarray (hip hop), 8:00PM

GOOD STUFF Zestrah (hard rock), 9:00PM

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12 185 KING STREET 5 Year Anniversary Party w/ Hogtown Squealers & Funk Dilation, 8:00PM 5 WALNUT WINE BAR Jason Moore & Mutual Feels (funk, jazz), 9:00PM 550 TAVERN & GRILLE Ryan Perry Band (country), 9:00PM ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR Somewhat Petty, 7:30PM ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Griffin Dean w/ The Legendary Tuesday Night House Band (singer-songwriter), 10:00PM Saturday Summertime Dance Party w/ DJ Avx, 10:00PM BEN’S TUNE-UP Gypsy Jam, 3:00PM Window Cat (soul, R&B, funk), 9:00PM BLACK MOUNTAIN ALE HOUSE Matt Walsh (blues, Americana), 7:30PM BLUE MOUNTAIN PIZZA & BREW PUB Chris Jamison, 7:00PM BURGER BAR AshevilleFM DJ Night, All Day CORK & KEG The Old Chevrolette Set (country, Americana), 8:30PM CROW & QUILL Tom Waits For No Man (Tom Waits covers), 9:00PM DIANA WORTHAM THEATRE Asheville Comedy Festival, 8:00PM DOUBLE CROWN Pitter Platter, 50s/60s R&B + RnR w/ DJ Big Smidge, 10:00PM FOGGY MOUNTAIN BREWPUB Station Underground (reggae), 10:00PM FRENCH BROAD BREWERY Typical Mountain Boys (bluegrass), 6:00PM

GREY EAGLE MUSIC HALL & TAVERN Taco Throwdown & Tequila Tasting, 1:00PM “Asheville Burlesque Pageant”, 9:00PM HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY Goldie & The Screamers (neo-soul, R&B), 7:00PM ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 An evening w/ Matt Haeck, 7:00PM JACK OF THE WOOD PUB West King String Band (“blues-grass”), 9:00PM LAZOOM BUS TOURS Dream Pipe (gypsy party pop), 5:30PM LAZY DIAMOND Sonic Satan Stew w/ DJ Alien Brain, 10:00PM

8/09 wed laetitia sadier source ensemble

w/ art feynman

8/10

thu

8/11

fri

carly taich

w/ maddie shuler, livingdog

sweet knives

w/ the missing stares, the chickenhawks

onj.

8/12

sat

8/13

sun the grey eagle & the mothlight present:

w/ to forget, via

**at the grey eagle**

waxahatchee

w/ palehound, outer spaces

8/14

mon

the build

w/ chill tonic, thank you for seeing

free!

Yoga at the Mothlight

Tuesdays and Thursdays- 11:30am Details for all shows can be found at

themothlight.com

LOBSTER TRAP Sean Mason Trio, 6:30PM MG ROAD Late Night Dance Parties w/ DJ Lil Meow Meow, 10:00PM ODDITORIUM Pansy Fest, 6:00PM ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Scott Hannay of Mister F (video game set), 2:00PM Griffin Dean of Stoop Kids (singersongwriter), 10:00PM ONE WORLD BREWING The Gage Brothers (Americana, roots), 9:00PM ORANGE PEEL 4th annual Summer Classic w/ DJ Audio & special guests, 9:00PM OSKAR BLUES BREWERY Riverkeeper Beer Series, 2:00PM Conservation Theory (bluegrass), 6:00PM PACK SQUARE PARK Shindig on the Green, 7:00PM PACK’S TAVERN 96.5 The House Band (classic hits, rock), 9:30PM

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CLU B LA N D PISGAH BREWING COMPANY Save The Brothership fundraiser (rock ‘n’ roll), 9:00PM PURPLE ONION CAFE The Secret Band, 7:30PM

COMING SOON wed 8/9 5-9PM–ALL You CAN eAT SNoW CRAB LegS 6:30-9PM–MuSIC oN THe PATIo (fRee) 7PM–CHRIS WATTS BAND

8/09: B INGO 6:30-8:30 PM 8/10: M EET & G REET W / ARTIST B OB N IPPER 8/12: T HE M OON & Y OU 7-9 PM 8/13: F LOW Y OGA + C IDER 12:30 PM COMING SOON: 8/26: N IKKI T ALLEY 8-10 PM

TAVERN

thu 8/10 7PM–THe LADLeS 7-9PM–MuSIC oN THe PATIo (fRee) fri 8/11

6:30-ISIS LAWN SeRIeS:

DAvID eARL & fRIeNDS (fRee) 7PM–gReg RuBY, DoN STIeRNBeRg AND KevIN KeHRBeRg – 9PM THe RoNSTADT BRoTHeRS

sun 8/13 5:30PM–BeN De LA CouR 7:30PM–LIBeRTY CIRCuS BeNefIT tue 8/15 7:30PM–TueSDAY BLuegRASS SeSSIoNS wed 8/16

PRIvATe eveNT

Downtown on the Park

thu 8/17 7-9PM–MuSIC oN THe PATIo (fRee) 7PM–NATIve HARRoW &

Eclectic Menu • Over 30 Taps • Patio 14 TV’s • Sports Room • 110” Projector Event Space • Shuffleboard Open 7 Days 11am - Late Night

day Afterno Sun o

A So

cial Function U

n Tunes with

nplugged – 4:30pm

IAN fITzgeRALD

8:30PM–ALIve, WILLIe, & ABLe:

A LoCAL TRIBuTe To WILLIe NeLSoN fri 8/18

7PM–TAYLoR MARTIN BAND

THU. 8/10

AND YeLLoW

Steve Moseley duo

6:30-9PM–fRIDAYS oN THe LAWN:

(acoustic rock)

ToM WAITS 4 No MAN W/ STevIe Lee CoMBS sat 8/19 7:00PM–TAKeNoBu sun 8/20

FRI. 8/11 DJ MoTo

( dance hits, pop)

SAT. 8/12

5:30PM–AN eveNINg of MuSIC & LAugHS:

The House Band ( classic hits, rock)

SARAH CLANToN & DANIeLLe ATe THe SANDWICH

7:30PM–WILSoN’S HoT STRINg BAND ISISASHEVILLE.COM DINNER MENU TIL 9:30PM LATE NIGHT MENU TIL 12AM

20 S. Spruce St. • 225.6944 packStavern.com 48

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TUES-SUN 5PM-until 743 HAYWOOD RD 828-575-2737

SALVAGE STATION Sweat & Soul (community bootcamp, yoga), 10:30AM Taco Throwdown & Tequila Tasting, 1:00PM SANCTUARY BREWING COMPANY Yoga, 10:00AM SIERRA NEVADA BREWING CO. Sierra Nevada AfterNooner Series, 2:00PM SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN BREWERY Firecracker Jazz Band, 8:00PM SWEETEN CREEK BREWING Amy & Mike Acoustic, 6:30PM THE BLOCK OFF BILTMORE 2umbao Salsa Lesson, 9:30PM Latin Rhythms & Salsa w/ DJ Malinalli, 10:30PM THE GREENHOUSE MOTO CAFE Daddy Rabbit (blues), 8:00PM THE MOTHLIGHT onj. w/ To Forget & VIA (ambient, instrumental, rock), 9:30PM THE PHOENIX Paula Hanke & The Perfect Mix, 9:00PM THE SOUTHERN Asheville Comedy Festival, 10:30PM

WILD WING CAFE SOUTH Flashback (70’s, 80’s, 90’s & now), 9:00PM

LUELLA’S BAR-B-QUE BILTMORE PARK Gypsy Jazz Brunch w/ Leo Johnson, 1:00PM

WXYZ LOUNGE AT ALOFT HOTEL Caribbean Cowboys (island rock), 8:00PM

MG ROAD Nice Guys Comedy w/ Grayson Morris, 8:00PM

SUNDAY, AUGUST 13 185 KING STREET Sunday Sessions open jam, 4:00PM 5 WALNUT WINE BAR Ryan Barber Jazz Trio (funky soul), 7:00PM ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR Musicians Jam & Pot Luck, 3:30PM BEN’S TUNE-UP Good Vibes w/ Oso Rey (old school reggae), 3:30PM Good Vibes w/ The Dub Kartel, 7:00PM BLACK MOUNTAIN ALE HOUSE Sunday Jazz Brunch, 11:00AM BLACK MOUNTAIN OLD DEPOT The Fairview Flyers, 3:00PM BLUE MOUNTAIN PIZZA & BREW PUB Billy Litz (soul, roots), 7:00PM BURGER BAR Push Presents: Skate Cinema, All Day DOUBLE CROWN Killer Karaoke w/ KJ Tim O, 10:00PM FLOOD GALLERY FINE ART CENTER True Home Open Mic Night (music, poetry, comedy), 5:00PM

THE SUMMIT AT NEW MOUNTAIN AVL 30 & Up Casual and Sexy w/ DJ Twan, 10:00PM

GREY EAGLE MUSIC HALL & TAVERN Waxahatchee w/ Palehound & Outer Spaces (indie, rock, folk), 8:00PM

TIMO’S HOUSE Thai Bassed w/ Manu Karu, DJ Kutzu & DJ Jet, 9:00PM

HABITAT TAVERN & COMMONS A Taste of Soul Brunch, 12:00PM

TOWN PUMP Guy Marshall, 9:00PM

HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY Reggae Sunday w/ Dennis “Chalwa” Berndt, 1:00PM

TRESSA’S DOWNTOWN JAZZ AND BLUES The King Zeros (blues), 7:30PM Free Flow (funk, soul), 10:00PM UPCOUNTRY BREWING COMPANY Jerry Pranksters, 9:00PM WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN Linda Go w/ John Vorus & Bob Hinkle, 8:00PM

ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 An evening w/ Ben de la Cour, 5:30PM Liberty Circus Benefit, 7:30PM LAZY DIAMOND Pabst Sabbath w/ Snake Prophecy, 10:00PM LOBSTER TRAP Phil Alley (jazz, folk), 6:30PM

ODDITORIUM Free Queer Dance Party, 9:00PM ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Bluegrass Brunch, 10:30AM PULP At Death’s Behest w/ Pleasure To Burn & Spearfinger (metal), 9:00PM PISGAH BREWING COMPANY Sunday Paper Crowns jam (rock, blues, Americana), 6:00PM ROOTS AND FRUITS MARKET One Leg Up Jazz Trio & Farm Brunch, 11:00AM SALVAGE STATION Open Mic Night w/ The Wet Doorknobs, 7:00PM SANCTUARY BREWING COMPANY Ales for ALS (fundraiser), 12:00PM Laura Thurston (folk, Americana, bluegrass), 2:00PM Chris Jamison, 6:00PM SIERRA NEVADA BREWING CO. The Gage Brothers (folk, roots), 2:00PM THE BLOCK OFF BILTMORE Now Or Never NC fundraiser, 5:30PM Island Vibes w/ DJ Roy & Leg Cash (roots, reggae), 10:00PM THE GREENHOUSE MOTO CAFE Tools On Stools, 3:00PM TIMO’S HOUSE Bring Your Own Vinyl (open decks night), 8:00PM TOWN PUMP Redleg Husky (bluegrass, country), 9:00PM WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN Shueh-li Ong & Xenovibes w/ Cranial Mythos (theremin, synth), 7:30PM WICKED WEED BREWING Summer Concert Series w/ The Siamese Jazz Club, 4:00PM

MONDAY, AUGUST 14 185 KING STREET Open mic night, 6:00PM 5 WALNUT WINE BAR Siamese Jazz Club (R&B, soul, jazz), 8:00PM ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR Classical Guitar Mondays, 7:30PM BEN’S TUNE-UP Twelve Olympians (electronic jam), 7:00PM BURGER BAR Booze Bap, All Day DOUBLE CROWN Country Karaoke w/ KJ Tim O, 10:00PM GOOD STUFF Songwriter’s “open mic”, 7:30PM GREY EAGLE MUSIC HALL & TAVERN Open mic night (music & comedy), 6:00PM HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY Game Night, 4:00PM JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Quizzo Trivia Night, 7:00PM LOBSTER TRAP Bobby Miller & friends, 6:30PM MG ROAD The Living Room (live music), 8:30PM ODDITORIUM Risque Monday Burlesque w/ Deb Au Nare (burlesque), 9:00PM ONE WORLD BREWING Open Mic Night w/ Robert Sloan, 7:30PM OSKAR BLUES BREWERY Mountain Music Mondays (open jam), 6:00PM POUR TAPROOM Lowlight Monday Nights, 7:00PM THE BLOCK OFF BILTMORE Michael & Garry’s Middle Mondays Dance Party (dance lesson @ 7:30 p.m.), 7:30PM THE IMPERIAL LIFE Ghost Pipe Trio, 9:00PM THE MOTHLIGHT The Build w/ Chill Tonic & Thank You For Seeing (synth wave, hip hop, electronic), 9:00PM TIMO’S HOUSE Manic Monday w/ DJ Drew, 8:00PM

UPCOUNTRY BREWING COMPANY Old Time Music Open Jam, 6:30PM

MG ROAD Keep It Classic Tuesdays w/ Sam Thompson, 5:00PM ODDITORIUM

TUESDAY, AUGUST 15 5 WALNUT WINE BAR The John Henrys (hot jazz), 8:00PM 550 TAVERN & GRILLE Shag night, 6:00PM ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR Gypsy Jazz Jam Tuesdays, 7:30PM ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Tuesday night funk jam, 11:00PM BEN’S TUNE-UP Summer soul series w/ Juan Holladay & friends, 6:00PM Lyric, 8:00PM BLACK MOUNTAIN ALE HOUSE Trivia, 7:30PM BLUE MOUNTAIN PIZZA & BREW PUB Larry Dolamore (acoustic), 7:00PM BURGER BAR Old Time Blues & Jug Band Jam, 12:00AM Tonkin’ Tuesdays, 12:00AM CORK & KEG Old-Time Jam, 5:00PM DOUBLE CROWN Country Western & Cajun Rarities w/ DJ Brody Hunt, 10:00PM GOOD STUFF Old time-y night, 6:30PM GREY EAGLE MUSIC HALL & TAVERN The Rock Academy, 7:00PM HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY Dr. Brown’s Team Trivia, 6:00PM ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 Tuesday bluegrass sessions w/ Dreamcatcher Bluegrass Band, 7:30PM

Open Mic Comedy Night w/ Tom Peters, 9:00PM ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Turntable Tuesdays, 10:00PM ONE WORLD BREWING Trivia w/ Ol’ Gilly, 7:00PM PULP The Cannonball Jars w/ Cult Of Kings & The Aisles Of Jane Doe, 9:00PM SANCTUARY BREWING COMPANY Taco and Trivia Tuesday, 6:00PM THE BLOCK OFF BILTMORE Swing Asheville & Jazz-n-Justice Benefit Tuesday w/ Jason DeCristofaro Quartet (lessons @ 7 and 8 p.m.), 9:00PM Swing Asheville’s Late-night Vintage Blues Dance, 11:00PM THE MOTHLIGHT MANAS w/ DUNUMS & Ancestral Duo (experimental), 9:00PM TRESSA’S DOWNTOWN JAZZ AND BLUES Early Jazz & Funk Jam (funk, jazz), 9:00PM UPCOUNTRY BREWING COMPANY Open Mic w/ Chris O’Neill, 6:30PM

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Cajun jam w/ Joy Moser & Trent Van Blaricom, 7:00PM

WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN

LAZY DIAMOND Heavy Metal Karaoke w/ KJ Tim O, 10:00PM

WILD WING CAFE SOUTH

LOBSTER TRAP Jay Brown, 6:30PM

Irish sessions & open mic, 6:30PM

Bobby & the Blue Ridge Tradition (bluegrass), 6:00PM

Where The Blue Ridge Mountains Meet the Celtic Isles

MONDAYS Quizzo – Brainy Trivia • 7:30pm Open Mic Night • 9pm WEDNESDAYS Asheville’s Original Old Time Mountain Music Jam • 5pm THURSDAYS Mountain Feist • 7pm Bluegrass Jam • 9:30pm Bourbon Specials

FRI CURLEY TAYLOR & TROUBLE 8/11 9ZYDECO PM / $15

Free Live Music

SAT WEST KING STRING 8/12 9BAND PM / $5

THU - 8/10 • 6:30PM DON HUMPHRIES

CAJUN JAM w/ JOY TUE MOSER & TRENT VAN 8/15 BLARICOM

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7 PM / FREE

FRI - 8/11 • 9PM BIG SKY REVIVAL

FRI DREAMCATCHER BAND 8/18 9BLUEGRASS PM / $5

(JAM GRASS)

SAT THE WOBBLERS 8/19 9PM / $5

SAT - 8/12 • 9PM JERRY PRANKSTERS

IRISH SUNDAYS Irish Food and Drink Specials Traditional Irish Music Session • 3-9pm

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OPEN MON-THURS AT 3 • FRI-SUN AT NOON

OPEN DAILY 11:30AM UNTIL MIDNIGHT

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AUG. 9 - 15, 2017

49

MOVIES

REVIEWS & LISTINGS

BY SCOTT DOUGLAS & JUSTIN SOUTHER

HHHHH = H PICK OF THE WEEK H

M A X R AT I N G Xpress is shifting some of its movie coverage to online-only as we expand other print sections of the newspaper.

Virtually all upcoming movies will still be reviewed online by Xpress film critics Scott Douglas, Francis X. Friel and Justin Souther, with two or three of the most noteworthy appearing in print. You can find online reviews at mountainx.com/movies/reviews. This week, they include:

H DETROIT HHHH KIDNAP HS DARK TOWER

INCONVENIENT SEQUEL (PICK OF THE WEEK) HHHH LADY MACBETH

Herald of the apocalypse Al Gore’s back to depress everybody again in the environmental update doc An Inconvenient Sequel

An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power HHHH DIRECTOR: Bonni Cohen, Jon Shenk PLAYERS: Al Gore DOCUMENTARY RATED PG THE STORY: Al Gore returns with an update on the current state of the climate change crisis. Spoiler alert: Things don’t look good.

THE LOWDOWN: The feel-good movie of the summer for people anxiously awaiting the apocalypse.

The year was 2006 — a simpler time, when either there were no people who believed the world was flat, or if there were, they had the decency and common sense to keep it to themselves. Documentarian Davis Guggenheim released An Inconvenient Truth, a film detailing Al Gore’s efforts to raise awareness 50

AUG. 9 - 15, 2017

MOUNTAINX.COM

of an imminent environmental crisis that was hotly contested then and remains so today. Guggenheim took home an Oscar, and Gore garnered a Nobel Prize for his troubles.

That same year, South Park satirized Gore’s work with the season 10 episode ManBearPig, in which the lonely former vice president tries to raise awareness of an aptly named chimeric beast threatening all of humanity.

I laughed along with everyone else, Gore included.

Well, it’s 2017 now — and I’m here to tell you that ManBearPig is real, and he’s coming for us. In the words of South Park’s Gore: “I’m super, duper cereal.”

In what possibly amounts to the biggest “told ya so” in cinematic history, Al Gore has returned to update

us all on the dire prognostications he proffered over a decade ago — and, good lord, is it depressing. I doubt even Trey Parker and Matt Stone could find a way to make a convincing joke about the current state of affairs, and Gore certainly isn’t laughing. As was true of Truth, Gore makes a compelling case, and the evidence he presents has only grown more damning in the intervening years. Many of his predictions from the last film —notably, that sea level rise could inundate the 9/11 memorial in downtown Manhattan — have come to pass, making the rhetorical position of climate change deniers increasingly tenuous.

And yet, that doesn’t seem to stop anyone. The film plays like a premature victory lap, with its climax

HHHS

celebrating Gore’s successful negotiation of the United Nations Paris climate accord in 2015 — you know, the international agreement we just dropped out of. If Gore’s achievements have been diminished by the current status quo, no one is more cognizant of that fact than the man himself. Frequently throughout the film, Gore seems world-weary and beaten-down, a crusader laboring under the unfortunate misperception that simply being right is enough to carry the day.

When Roger Ebert reviewed Truth, he described the film as having “the potential, I believe, to actually change public policy and begin a process which could save the Earth.” Clearly, that didn’t pan out — or at least it hasn’t yet.

If Gore is able to maintain a cautious optimism, I don’t know that I can fully agree. Co-directors Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk take a more cinematic approach to their subject than Guggenheim’s straightforward chronicle of Gore’s frequently delivered PowerPoint presentation, and the results are striking even if they lack some of the immediacy and impact of the prior film. It’s hard to watch aerial footage of glaciers literally exploding

without drawing any other conclusion than Gore’s efforts may be too little, too late. One can only hope that Asheville won’t be beachfront property if Gore updates us again in another 10 years. Rated PG for thematic elements and some troubling images. Now Playing at Fine Arts Theatre.

REVIEWED BY SCOTT DOUGLAS JSDOUGLAS22@GMAIL.COM

Detroit HHHH DIRECTOR: Kathryn Bigelow PLAYERS: John Boyega, Will Poulter, Algee Smith, Jacob Latimore, John Krasinski, Anthony Mackie, Jason Mitchell, Hannah Murray, Jack Reynor, Kaitlyn Dever, Ben O’Toole, Nathan Davis Jr., Peyton “Alex” Smith, Malcolm David Kelley, Joseph David-Jones, Laz Alonso, Ephraim Sykes, Leon Thomas III PERIOD DRAMA RATED R THE STORY: Racist police officers murder three innocent black men amid the chaos of the 1967 Detroit riots.

THE LOWDOWN: A complex and unfortunately timely film about a complicated subject that doesn’t shy away from the ugliness of its premise.

Kathryn Bigelow has certainly had an interesting career trajectory from the days of Point Break and Near Dark. Had you told me 20 years ago that she would become one of the most prominent direc-

tors of historical prestige pictures working in the modern cinema, I probably would’ve laughed. I mean, what part of Johnny Utah or Strange Days might suggest that she would someday delve into the assassination of Osama Bin Laden or the Detroit race riots of the late 1960s? My lack of foresight not withstanding, she’s actually pretty damn good at it.

Detroit is not a pleasant film by any stretch — not to spoil anything, but anybody who comes into this one expecting a happy ending should have their head examined. But just because it isn’t fun doesn’t mean it isn’t good, and Bigelow is using all of the tools at her disposal to craft a story that demands audience empathy and identification every step of the way, even as she drags us into a particularly seedy chapter of U.S. history. There’s no real moral ambiguity in the story of racist Detroit city cops exploiting the chaos of rampant civil unrest to murder some innocent black people in cold blood, but Bigelow still manages to imbue some tension in a narrative strangely devoid of a central protagonist or emotional catharsis of any sort.

That last point is important because the fact that this film runs for over 140 minutes without a clearly defined point-of-view character and still manages to work from a narrative standpoint is pretty remarkable. Screenwriter Mark Boal (The Hurt Locker, Zero Dark Thirty) is relatively overt in his mission to use a 50-year-old story as a lens through which to make a point about the persistence of institutionalized racism and police brutality as it continues to exist today, but the fact that he’s justified in his assertions goes a long way toward keeping his script from tipping into heavy-handed sermonizing.

It also helps tremendously that the cast is fantastic, a necessity in a

Mountain Xpress Presents BEST

BANDS:

BEST

movie with such a sprawling scope.

I’m not blessed with the print space to get into full-blown plot synopsis with this review, but it should suffice to say that Detroit is a complicated story of an event rather than a single person, and as such, it follows a number of characters and the effects of that definitive event on their lives. John Boyega is outstanding, doing his best Sidney Poitier impression as a stoic security guard who goes along to get along, Algee Smith is heartbreaking as a Motown singer crippled by PTSD, and John Krasinski is surprisingly slimy as the cutthroat lawyer defending a cadre of racist police. But the real breakout performance comes from Will Poulter (The Revenant), who plays the ringleader of the murderous cops as both despicable and pathetic. The effect is nothing short of monstrous.

Now, I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out the apparent illogic of a film about systemic racism being written and directed by a couple of white folks, but if that’s the way things remain in 2017, at least those people are competent enough to handle their subject with the gravity and tact it deserves. Detroit may not be a pretty film, but it isn’t supposed to be — and hopefully, its very ugliness will start some meaningful discussions. Hopefully, we won’t still be telling these same stories in another 50 years. Rated R for strong violence and pervasive language. Now Playing at AMC Classic River Hills 10, Carolina Cinemark, Regal Biltmore Grande, Epic of Hendersonville.

THE ATE R INFO R M ATIO N ASHEVILLE PIZZA & BREWING CO. (254-1281) ASHEVILLEBREWING.COM/ MOVIES CARMIKE CINEMA 10 (298-4452) CARMIKE.COM CAROLINA CINEMAS (274-9500) CAROLINACINEMAS.COM CO-ED CINEMA BREVARD (8832200) COEDCINEMA.COM EPIC OF HENDERSONVILLE (693-1146) EPICTHEATRES.COM FINE ARTS THEATRE (232-1536) FINEARTSTHEATRE.COM FLATROCK CINEMA (697-2463) FLATROCKCINEMA.COM GRAIL MOVIEHOUSE (239-9392) GRAILMOVIEHOUSE.COM REGAL BILTMORE GRANDE STADIUM 15 (684-1298) REGMOVIES.COM

REVIEWED BY SCOTT DOUGLAS JSDOUGLAS22@GMAIL.COM

SIRIUS.B * LYRIC ANDREW SCOTCHIE & THE RIVER RATS

RADIO , FOOD TRUCKS

&

ICE CREAM

HIGHLAND AUG. 17 BREWING CO. 5–9PM AT

FRE ET! E VEN

With guest appearances from LaZoom with nuns!

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SCREEN SCENE

by Edwin Arnaudin | edwinarnaudin@gmail.com kets. Free admission. Soft drinks and food will be available for purchase. springmountaincc.com

REPTILE RESCUE: A wildlife photographer poses with an alligator in a promo for the documentary Racing Extinction. Sanctuary Brewing Co. and The BLOCK off Biltmore host free screenings of the film. Photo courtesy of The Discovery Channel • Highland Brewing Co. hosts a screening of The Burden on Thursday, Aug. 10, at 6 p.m. Roger Sorkin’s 2016 documentary examines the U.S. military’s role in reducing dependence on fossil fuels and the resulting impact on national security. The event includes an introduction, viewing of the film and a post-screening discussion and Q&A with a panel of experts. $5 donation, free for veterans. highlandbrewing.com • The City of Asheville Parks & Recreation Department’s 2017 season of Movies in the Park continues Friday, Aug. 11, with Moana. Children’s craft activities begin at 6:30 p.m., and the film starts at dusk on a giant screen on the Pack Square Park stage. The series continues monthly through September. Bring a chair or a blanket. Free. avl.mx/3s9 • Balken Roofing hosts a family outdoor movie night on Friday, Aug. 11, at the Spring Mountain Community Center in Fairview. Kids activities begin at 7 p.m., and the animated feature Sing will start at dusk. Bring lawn chairs and blan-

FILM BUNCOMBE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES buncombecounty.org/ governing/depts/library • TH (8/10), 12:30pm - StarTalk, film screening. Free. Held at Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St.

52

AUG. 9 - 15, 2017

• MO (8/14), 2pm Legends of Music Film Series: The Buena Vista Social Club, film screening. Free. Held at Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St.

• Grail Moviehouse’s and the Asheville Jewish Community Center’s monthly Israeli Film Series — designed to allow viewers to use film as their window into the minds and culture of Israel — continues Sunday, Aug. 13, at 3 p.m. with GETT: The Trial of Viviane Amsalem.

The 2014 drama from filmmakers Ronit and Shlomi Elkabetz centers on a woman’s struggles to file for divorce. A discussion will follow the film. Tickets are $7 and available online or at the Grail box office. grailmoviehouse.com • Pack Memorial Library continues its monthly Legends of Music film series — curated by local jazz pianist Michael Jefry Stevens — on Monday, Aug. 14, at 2 p.m. with Buena Vista Social Club. Wim Wenders’ Oscar-nominated 1999 documentary chronicles the efforts of Ry Cooder to share the work of forgotten legendary Cuban musicians. Free. avl.mx/ff • Racing Extinction receives local screenings at two different venues.

In the latest documentary from the Oscar-winning filmmakers of The Cove, a team of artists and activists exposes the hidden world of extinction with previously unseen images aimed at altering the way humans view the planet. The film will be shown Wednesday, Aug. 16, at 6 p.m. at Sanctuary Brewing Co. and Thursday, Aug. 17, at 6 p.m. at The BLOCK off Biltmore. One of the stars of the film, auto racer and activist Leilani Münter, will be in attendance at both showings, as will representatives from Asheville Vegan Outreach and MountainTrue. Free, but registration is requested. Reserve a seat online for the Sanctuary screening or call The BLOCK off Biltmore at 254-9277 for its showing. avl.mx/3zj X

• FR (8/11), 8-10pm dependance on fossil fuels, Classic World Cinema: The with expert panel discussion. $5/Free for veterans.

Salesman, film screening.

Free to attend.

MOVIES IN THE PARK HIGHLAND BREWING ashevillenc.gov/Parks, COMPANY kperez@ashevillenc.gov 12 Old Charlotte Highway, • FR (8/11), 6:30pm Children’s craft activities FLOOD GALLERY FINE 828-299-3370 ART CENTER • TH (8/10), 6-9pm - The and screening of the 2160 US Highway 70, Burden, film screening movie Moana at dusk.

Swannanoa, 828-273-3332, regarding U.S. military’s Free. Held at Pack Square floodgallery.org/ leadership role in reducing Park, 121 College St.

MOUNTAINX.COM

S TARTIN G F R ID AY Additional bookings are expected after press time.

Check with your local theater for up-to-date listings.

Annabelle: Creation

Creepy doll horror sequel from in The Conjuring series, from director David F. Sandberg (Lights Out). According to the studio: “Several years after the tragic death of their little girl, a dollmaker and his wife welcome a nun and several girls from a shuttered orphanage into their home, soon becoming the target of the dollmaker´s possessed creation, Annabelle.” Early reviews are positive.(R)

The Nut Job 2

Animated kids’ comedy starring Will Arnett, Katherine Heigl, Maya Rudolph, Bobby Moynihan, Gabriel Iglesias, Jeff Dunham, Bobby Cannavale and Jackie Chan. According to the studio: “Surly Squirrel (Will Arnett) and the gang are back. We are once again in Oakton where the evil mayor has decided to bulldoze Liberty Park and build a dangerous amusement park in its place. Surly and his ragtag group of animal friends band together to save their home, defeat the mayor, and take back the park.” No early reviews. (PG)

S PECIAL SCR E E N IN GS

Amélie HHHHH

DIRECTOR: Jean-Pierre Jeunet PLAYERS: Audrey Tautou, Mathieu Kassovitz, Rufus, Lorella Cravotta, Serge Merlin FANTASTICATED COMEDY ROMANCE Rated R Returning to France after the mixed blessing of helming a big-budget Hollywood film, Alien Resurrection, Jean-Pierre Jeunet disproves Thomas Wolfe’s adage that you can’t go home again. Not only did he go home, but once there he made his best film yet: the utterly captivating Amélie (Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain), an instant classic and the sort of magical work that reminds us how truly fine movies at their best can be. Yes, Amélie is a souffle of a movie. It has no burning message to deliver. What it does have is perhaps more important: It has joy, it has a heart, it has imagination, it has a sense of humor about life. It is alive with the possibilities of film and the possibilities of life and its surprises. This excerpt was taken from a review by Ken Hanke originally published on Jan. 1, 2000. The Hendersonville Film Society will show Amélie on Sunday, Aug. 13, at 2 p.m. in the Smoky Mountain Theater at Lake Pointe Landing Retirement Community, 333 Thompson St., Hendersonville.

She Done Him Wrong HHHHH

DIRECTOR: Lowell Sherman PLAYERS: Mae West, Cary Grant PRE-CODE COMEDY Rated NR She Done Him Wrong is the stuff of legend. It’s the film where Mae West scandalized the world by singing “I Wonder Where My Easy Rider’s Gone” and put her stamp on “Frankie and Johnny” (even if she doesn’t get to sing the whole thing). It’s the film where she brought Paramount contract player Cary Grant to the attention of the movie-going world by giving him his best role to date — in one of the most popular films of the year. It’s delightfully pre-code in the way she bring sex out into the open and pokes fun at it — and makes no bones about her own appetite for it. It also allows her to more or less get away with murder. (Yeah, it’s self-defense, but it’s obvious that she’s not even going to be arrested for it.) But one thing it isn’t is the film where she says, “Come up and see me some time.” She does ask Cary Grant, “Why don’t ya’ come up sometime and see me?” and offers, “Come up, I’ll tell your fortune,” but that’s as close as it gets — at least in this film. This excerpt was taken from a review by Ken Hanke originally published on Aug. 10, 2010. The Asheville Film Society will screen She Done Him Wrong on Tuesday, Aug. 15, at 7:30 p.m. at The Grail Moviehouse, hosted by Xpress movie critic Scott Douglas.

The Salesman HHHH

DIRECTOR: Asghar Farhadi PLAYERS: Shahab Hoseini, Taraneh Alidoosti, Baba Karimi, Farid Sajjadihosseini, Mina Sadaati, Maral Bani Adam, Mehdi Kooshki DRAMA Rated PG-13 When I reviewed Asghar Farhadi’s Best Foreign Language Film Academy Award winner The Salesman in March, a great deal of attention was being devoted to Farhadi’s Oscars acceptance speech, in which he decried President Trump’s so-called “Muslim ban.” While I still support Farhadi’s statements, I wish I had saved more print space for the movie itself rather than fixating on its political context. The Salesman is a dark, nuanced character study — in other words, Farhadi’s strong suit. It boasts stellar performances from stars Shahab Hosseini and Taraneh Alidoosti, and deserved every award it took home. If you missed it when it played Asheville, you should take advantage of this chance to see a dynamic and moving piece of understated filmmaking from a master of world cinema. Classic World Cinema by Courtyard Gallery will present The Salesman on Friday, August 11, at 8

MARKETPLACE REAL ESTAT E | RE NTA L S | R O O M M AT E S | SERV ICES JOBS | ANNO U N C E M E N T S | M IN D , B ODY, SPIRIT CLA S S E S & W O RK S HO P S | M U S IC IA N S’ SERV ICES PET S | AUT O M OT IVE | X C HA N GE | A DU LT Want to advertise in Marketplace? 828-251-1333 x111 tnavaille@mountainx.com • mountainx.com/classifieds If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Remember the Russian proverb: “Doveryai, no proveryai,” trust but verify. When answering classified ads, always err on the side of caution. Especially beware of any party asking you to give them financial or identification information. The Mountain Xpress cannot be responsible for ensuring that each advertising client is legitimate. Please report scams to ads@mountainx.com REAL ESTATE

ROOMMATES

HOMES FOR SALE

ROOMMATES

2 BEDROOMS 2 BATHS WOLF LAUREL 40 minutes north of Asheville and well worth the drive. Finished basement. Wonderful views.

5 minute drive to the Appalachian Trail. 828-242-9559

ALL AREAS Free Roommate Service @ RentMates.com.

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EMPLOYMENT GENERAL

KENILWORTH! Private large and luscious landscaped backyard, 3BR, 2BA, 2178 sqft, 1920's updated one-level bungalow w/tons of original charm. Huge family room w/ vaulted ceiling that opens onto large screened back porch. Full unfinished walkout basement and double garage. $575,000. Broker Drea Jackson/Native Asheville: 828712-7888. nativeAsheville@ gmail.com PRIVATE HUGE HOUSE WITH GARDENS AND STONE WALL FOR SALE Private House 12 min to town . Three flrs/beds/baths & two fireplaces. Basement Apt. Phenomenal 175" stone wall and huge deck. Leave Message with Tufic. 845 702 6214 .

STONE COTTAGE NEAR LAKE TOMAHAWK Black Mountain. For Sale by Owner: Remodeled 2BR, 1.5BA. 1128 sqft on 0.45 acre lot. Front porch, carport, storage building and mud room. Large refrigerator with icemaker.

Stove, microwave, portable dishwasher, and 2 window air conditioners. $172,900. (828) 279-6584 or sassynanny55@ att.net

RENTALS SHORT-TERM RENTALS 15 MINUTES TO ASHEVILLE Guest house, vacation/short term rental in beautiful country setting. • Complete with everything including cable and internet. • $150/day (2-day minimum), $650/week, $1500/month.

Weaverville area. • No pets please. (828) 658-9145. mhcinc58@yahoo. com

WANTED TO RENT SMALL APARTMENT WORK Professional EXCHANGE pianist seeks apartment in exchange for work and cash.

Experienced in yard and landscaping. John: (404) 7406903.

CHURCH SEXTON Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, a dynamic, growing congregation located in Asheville, NC, is currently seeking a part-time, 15 hour a week, Sexton to oversee maintenance and repair work for our facility. Basic qualifications include: knowledge of and experience with general building repairs and maintenance; ability to work independently and be proactive with moderate supervision; performing setup and take down for church events; overseeing building security; offering hospitality & friendliness towards members and visitors using the facility; communicating with staff about daily building needs; ability to work in a team environment. This position requires the Sexton’s presence on Sundays from 7 AM to 1 PM, but allows for some flexibility of hours during remainder of week. Please send letter of interest and resume to smeehan@gcpcusa.org

LOVE LIVE MUSIC? Asheville Music Hall & The One Stop are now accepting applications for door staff/venue security. Please send resume with references to info@ ashevillemusichall.com.

TVS IS HIRING! TVS is hiring for multiple positions/shifts!

Open positions include entry level Production, Maintenance Technician, Direct Support Provider, Forklift Operators, and upper level management positions. TVS offers medical and dental benefits, 401k, PTO, and short term disability plans to all full time employees. Please see website at www.tvsinc.org for more details and application process.

SKILLED LABOR/ TRADES CUSTODIAL ASSISTANT ArtSpace Charter School is hiring a part-time Custodial Assistant to work

approximately 25 hours per week. There are no formal education or experience requirements. • Previous custodial work, reporting to a maintenance supervisor, and relating successfully with contracted custodial support is preferred. The position is paid ongoing on an hourly basis. • Please submit a cover letter and resume by email to resumes@artspacecharter. org MANUFACTURER NOW HIRING FOR 2 SHIFTS Quality Musical Systems is a manufacturer of professional loudspeaker systems located in Candler, NC. We are recruiting hard working, motivated, Builders, Packagers, Sanders, and Assemblers. Two Shifts available: Hours are 7AM to 3:30 PM and 5PM to 5AM. QMS pays competitive wages with Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance, Paid Holidays, and Vacations. Requirements: Candidates must be minimum 18 years of age, possess a high school diploma or equivalent GED certificate. Moderate lifting may be required. Training provided in house. Come fill out an application at 204 Dogwood Rd. Candler, NC 28715 Office Hours Mon.-Fri. 9 AM to 3 PM. (828)667-5719.

SALES/ MARKETING

SALES PROFESSIONAL Mountain Xpress has a salaried entry-level sales position open. Necessary attributes are: gregarious personality, problem solving skills, confident presentation, and the ability to digest and explain complex information. The ideal candidate is organized, well spoken, has good computer skills, can work well within an organization and within in a team environment, can self-monitor and set (and meet) personal goals. The job largely entails account development (including cold calling); and also detailed record keeping, management of client advertising campaigns, and some collections. If you are a high energy, positive, cooperative person who wants a stable team environment with predictable income and meaningful work, send a resume and cover letter (no walk-ins, please) about why you are a good fit for Mountain Xpress to: xpressjob@mountainx.com

MEDICAL/ HEALTH CARE UNDER ONE SKY VILLAGE FOUNDATION CAMP NURSE Under One Sky Village Foundation is looking for a camp nurse to add to our

part time camp staff - camp dates are August 13-19th and October 27-29. Please respond to john@under1sky. org

HUMAN SERVICES COMMUNITY ALTERNATIVES CURRENTLY HIRING FOR I/DD-QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL Full time I/DDQualified Professional needed for our Buncombe, Haywood and Jackson county areas.

Bachelors degree required in related field with 2 years post experience. Benefits offered: medical, dental, vision, 401K and paid time off. Email resume to erenegar@rescare. com 828-575-9802 FAMILY SERVICE ASSOCIATE Available immediately.

Family Service Associate to recruit and provide case management to families with pre-school aged children for a Head Start program. • Job Duties Include but are not limited to: • Maintains the outreach and recruitment of children and families • Assists families to fully utilize available community resources • Work in partnership with the parent towards short and long range family-identified goals to promote healthy, self-sufficient families. • Requirements: • Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related areas and at least two years of experience. Equivalent of education and experience may be acceptable. • Valid NC driver’s license. • Ability to pass Physical exam, TB test, criminal background check and drug screening. • Fluency in English and Spanish preferred. Salary Range: $32,323 to $33,280, DOQ. • Please send resume, cover letter and (3) professional work references with complete contact information and a copy of the NC DCDEE Qualifying Letter to: • Email: Admin@ communityactionopportunities. org • Mail: Human Resources Manager, 25 Gaston Street, Asheville, NC 28801. • Fax: (828) 253-6319. Open until filled. EOE and DFWP. FULL TIME HELPMATE SHELTER CASE MANAGER Helpmate, Inc., a domestic violence agency in Asheville, North Carolina, seeks a fulltime Shelter Case Manager to provide support during evening, nighttime and weekend hours to survivors of domestic violence. Primary responsibilities will include providing support, service coordination and advocacy for survivors of domestic violence as well as monitoring security, and documenting service provision. Strong communication, organizational and crisis management skills required.

The qualified candidate must hold a Bachelor’s degree or 2 years’ experience in social

MOUNTAINX.COM

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FREEWILL ASTROLOGY

HU MOR

ARIES (March 21-April 19): I hope you’re making wise use of the surging fertility that has been coursing through you. Maybe you’ve been reinventing a long-term relationship that needed creative tinkering. Perhaps you have been hammering together an innovative business deal or generating new material for your artistic practice. It’s possible you have discovered how to express feelings and ideas that have been half-mute or inaccessible for a long time. If for some weird reason you are not yet having experiences like these, get to work! There’s still time to tap into the fecundity.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Uruguayan writer Eduardo Galeano defines “idiot memory” as the kind of remembrances that keep us attached to our old self-images, and trapped by them. “Lively memory,” on the other hand, is a feisty approach to our old stories.

It impels us to graduate from who we used to be. “We are the sum of our efforts to change who we are,” writes Galeano. “Identity is no museum piece sitting stock-still in a display case.” Here’s another clue to your current assignment, Taurus, from psychotherapist Dick Olney: “The goal of a good therapist is to help someone wake up from the dream that they are their self-image.”

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Sometimes, Gemini, loving you is a sacred honor for me — equivalent to getting a poem on my birthday from the Dalai Lama. On other occasions, loving you is more like trying to lap up a delicious milkshake that has spilled on the sidewalk, or slow-dancing with a giant robot teddy bear that accidentally knocks me down when it suffers a glitch. I don’t take it personally when I encounter the more challenging sides of you, since you are always an interesting place to visit.

But could you maybe show more mercy to the people in your life who are not just visitors? Remind your dear allies of the obvious secret — that you’re composed of several different selves, each of whom craves different thrills.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Liz, my girlfriend when I was young, went to extreme lengths to cultivate her physical attractiveness. “Beauty must suffer,” her mother had told her while growing up, and Liz heeded that advice.

To make her long blonde hair as wavy as possible, for example, she wrapped strands of it around six empty metal cans before bed, applied a noxious spray, and then slept all night with a stinky, clanking mass of metal affixed to her head. While you may not do anything so literal, Cancerian, you do sometimes act as if suffering helps keep you strong and attractive — as if feeling hurt is a viable way to energize your quest for what you want. But if you’d like to transform that approach, the coming weeks will be a good time. Step One: Have a long, compassionate talk with your inner saboteur.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Each of us comes to know the truth in our own way, says astrologer Antero Alli. “For some it is wild and unfettered,” he writes. “For others it is like a cozy domesticated cat, while others find truth through their senses alone.” Whatever your usual style of knowing the truth might be, Leo, I suspect you’ll benefit from trying out a different method in the next two weeks. Here are some possibilities: trusting your most positive feelings; tuning in to the clues and cues your body provides; performing ceremonies in which you request the help of ancestral spirits; slipping into an altered state by laughing nonstop for five minutes.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Would you scoff if I said that you’ll soon be blessed with supernatural assistance?

Would you smirk and roll your eyes if I advised you to find clues to your next big move by analyzing your irrational fantasies? Would you tell me to stop spouting nonsense if I hinted that a guardian angel is conspiring to blast a tunnel through the mountain you created out of a molehill? It’s OK if you ignore my predictions, Virgo. They’ll come true even if you’re a staunch realist who doesn’t believe in woo-woo, juju, or mojo.

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BY ROB BREZSNY

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): This is the Season of Enlightenment for you. That doesn’t necessarily mean you will achieve an ultimate state of divine grace. It’s not a guarantee that you’ll be freestyling in satori, samadhi, or nirvana. But one thing is certain: Life will conspire to bring you the excited joy that comes with deep insight into the nature of reality. If you decide to take advantage of the opportunity, please keep in mind these thoughts from designer Elissa Giles: “Enlightenment is not an asexual, dispassionate, head-in-the-clouds, nails-in-the-palms disappearance from the game of life. It’s a volcanic, kick-ass, erotic commitment to love in action, coupled with hard-headed practical grist.”

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Some zoos sell the urine of lions and tigers to gardeners who sprinkle it in their gardens. Apparently the stuff scares off wandering house cats that might be tempted to relieve themselves in vegetable patches. I nominate this scenario to be a provocative metaphor for you in the coming weeks.

Might you tap into the power of your inner wild animal so as to protect your inner crops? Could you build up your warrior energy so as to prevent run-ins with pesky irritants? Can you call on helpful spirits to ensure that what’s growing in your life will continue to thrive?

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The fates have conspired to make it right and proper for you to be influenced by Sagittarian author Mark Twain. There are five specific bits of his wisdom that will serve as benevolent tweaks to your attitude. I hope you will also aspire to express some of his expansive snappiness.

Now here’s Twain: 1. “You cannot depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.” 2. “Education consists mainly in what we have unlearned.” 3. “It is curious that physical courage should be so common in the world and moral courage so rare.” 4. “When in doubt, tell the truth.” 5. “Thunder is good, thunder is impressive; but it is lightning that does the work.”

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “My grandfather used to tell me that if you stir muddy water it will only get darker,” wrote I. G. Edmonds in his book Trickster Tales. “But if you let the muddy water stand still, the mud will settle and the water will become clearer,” he concluded. I hope this message reaches you in time, Capricorn. I hope you will then resist any temptation you might have to agitate, churn, spill wine into, wash your face in, drink, or splash around in the muddy water.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): In 1985, Maurizio Cattelan quit his gig at a mortuary in Padua, Italy and resolved to make a living as an artist. He started creating furniture, and ultimately evolved into a sculptor who specialized in satirical work. In 1999 he produced a piece depicting the Pope being struck by a meteorite, which sold for $886,000 in 2001. If there were ever going to be a time when you could launch your personal version of his story, Aquarius, it would be in the next ten months. That doesn’t necessarily mean you should go barreling ahead with such a radical act of faith, however. Following your bliss rarely leads to instant success. It may take years. (16 in Cattelan’s case.) Are you willing to accept that?

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Tally up your physical aches, psychic bruises, and chronic worries. Take inventory of your troubling memories, half-repressed disappointments, and existential nausea. Do it, Pisces!

Be strong. If you bravely examine and deeply feel the difficult feelings, then the cures for those feelings will magically begin streaming in your direction.

You’ll see what you need to do to escape at least some of your suffering. So name your griefs and losses, my dear. Remember your near-misses and total fiascos. As your reward, you’ll be soothed and relieved and forgiven. A Great Healing will come.

work or related field, with preference for experience in domestic violence or related field, or a commensurate combination of work and experience. Diverse and/or multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. Email resume and cover letter to HelpmateAsheville@gmail. com with "Shelter Case Manager" as the subject line. No phone or email inquiries – please.

HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE® OF WNC Is seeking compassionate individuals to provide non-medical care to aging adults in our community. Learn more about the rewards of caregiving and what the positions entail here: https://www.homeinstead. com/159/home-care-jobs

POLICE OFFICER A-B Tech is currently taking applications for a Police Officer position.

For more details and to apply: abtcc.peopleadmin.com/ postings/4327

TEACHING/ EDUCATION IC IMAGINE CHARTER SCHOOL SEEKING LICENSED SPANISH COLLEGIATE LEADER FOR GRADES 9-12 IC Imagine Charter School is seeking an Upper School Spanish Collegiate Leader for immediate hire. This full time salaried position includes benefits.

Email inquiries and resumes to careers@icimagine.org. http://sites.icimagine.org/ home/careers/ INTERESTED IN WORKING AT A-B TECH? Full-Time, Part-Time and Adjunct Positions available. Come help people achieve their dreams!

Apply for open positions at abtcc.peopleadmin.com

PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT PROGRAM CHAIRPERSON A-B Tech is currently taking applications for a Chairperson, Physical Therapy Assistant Program position. For more details and to apply: abtcc.peopleadmin. com/postings/4317 PROJECT POWER/AMERICORPS MEMBER Do you or someone you know want to help youth who need support in the classroom and at after-school programs?

While earning a Living Stipend of $13,100, receive health benefits and an education award. APPLY at http://childrenfirstcisbc.org/ programs/project-power/

CAREGIVERS/ NANNY CHILDCARE WORKER NEEDED Loving, friendly, childcare worker needed for Sunday mornings and

occasional church events in the nursery of Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church located in North Asheville.

1-3 years childcare experience preferred, $12.00 per hour.

Active retirees encouraged to apply! Please send letter of interest and resume to smeehan@gcpcusa.org

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES PAID IN ADVANCE! Make $1000/week mailing brochures from home! No experience required. Helping home workers since 2001! Genuine opportunity.

Start immediately! www.

MailingPros.net (AAN CAN)

RETAIL

ASSISTANT BOOKSTORE MANAGER A-B Tech is currently taking applications for an Assistant Bookstore Manager position.

For more details and to apply: abtcc.peopleadmin.com/ postings/4319

HOME IMPROVEMENT GENERAL SERVICES DRIVEWAY SEAL COATING Parking Lots • Striping • Interior/exterior Painting • Powerwashing • Deck staining.

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HANDY MAN HIRE A HUSBAND • HANDYMAN SERVICES Since 1993.

Multiple skill sets. Reliable, trustworthy, quality results. $1 million liability insurance.

References and estimates available. Stephen Houpis, (828) 280-2254.

T H E N E W Y OR K TI M ES CR OSSWOR D PU ZZLE

ACROSS

1 Songwriters’ org.

6 Honorific that becomes another honorific if you reverse its last two letters 9 Subjects of a Roswell museum 13 Twinkled 14 Hydrophobic substances 16 Attire for a Druid 17 Travel edition of a classic board game?

19 Gift from heaven 20 Prefix with directional 21 Channel 2?

22 Superrich 24 Wax sculptor Marie 26 Beside 27 Travel edition of a classic board game?

31 Consciously join 34 Opposite of caliente 35 Peace activist Yoko 36 Sprang 37 One’s nearest and dearest, informally 38 Get by CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

ANNOUNCEMENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS MAKE THE CALL TO START GETTING CLEAN TODAY Free 24/7 Helpline for alcohol & drug addiction treatment.

Get help! It is time to take your life back! Call Now: 855732-4139. (AAN CAN) PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? Call us first. Living expenses, housing, medical, and continued support afterwards. Choose adoptive family of your choice. Call 24/7. 877-362-2401. (AAN CAN) STRUGGLING WITH DRUGS OR ALCOHOL? Addicted to Pills? Talk to someone who cares. Call The Addiction Hope & Help Line for a free assessment.

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DOWN

1 Neckwear with dress whites 2 Very whale-known performer?

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40 Window-closing key 41 Part of the Dept. of Homeland Security 42 Some cosmetic surgeries, for short 43 Travel edition of a classic board game?

47 Found 48 Puzzlements 52 Nongay, typically 54 Atlanta-based health org.

55 “I’m ___” (“Whatever you suggest”) 56 “Sad is my lot!”

57 Travel edition of a classic board game?

60 Fails to be 61 Done, in Verdun 62 Singer Mann 63 Young fellows 64 It might appear after an etym.

65 Rats’ places

INTUITIVE PAINTING 1 DAY WORKSHOP! SATURDAY, AUGUST 19TH, 10 TO 4PM Come Experience the Aliveness and Vitality of your own Creative Spirit! Free your Soul through Painting! Weekly ongoing classes: Tuesday evenings and Wednesday nights.

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edited by Will Shortz

3 Woes on toes 4 Providing a better grip 5 Part of b.p.m.

6 Boing, for a spring 7 Barbecue serving 8 One way to fall 9 Worldly 10 Cooking class?

11 Instrument that an orchestra tunes to 12 Thrill 15 Have as a customer 18 One of a dozen in un frigidaire 23 “___, I’m so scared! (not really)” 25 Slangy form of 60-Across 26 Many an internet meme 28 Quaint commercial suffix 29 Countermand 30 Refusals 31 ___ Burov, K.G.B. officer on “The Americans” 32 Mexican money 33 Place to grab a bite in Mexico 38 People in an H. G. Wells novella 39 Boudoir wear

WHITEWATER RECORDING Mixing • Mastering • Recording.

(828) 684-8284 www.whitewaterrecording.com

PUZZLE BY JAKE HALPERIN

41 At a distance 44 Nonproliferation treaty subjects, informally 45 Not the usual spelling: Abbr.

46 Crawl (along)

49 Badly injures 50 Factory, to its owner, e.g.

51 Wanda of “Snatched” 52 Greet with acclaim

53 Mrs. Albert Einstein 54 French filmdom 58 Jar top 59 Onetime M&M’s color

exit 15. Please call (828) 275-6063 for appointment. www.wellfixitautomotive.

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS NY TIMES PUZZLE

com

PETS PET SERVICES LOCAL INDEPENDENT MASSAGE THERAPY CENTER OFFERING EXCELLENT BODYWORK 947 Haywood Road, West Asheville. Experience the best bodywork in Asheville at our beautiful massage center for very reasonable rates.

Integrative, Deep Tissue, Prenatal,Couples, Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Reiki. $60-70/hr.

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ASHEVILLE PET SITTERS Dependable, loving care while you're away. Reasonable rates.

Call Sandy (828) 215-7232.

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Mountain Xpress Presents

• Cabinet Refacing

F R E ET!

MUSICAL SERVICES NOW ACCEPTING STUDENTS IN JAZZ PIANO, COMPOSITION, AND IMPROVISATION (ALL INSTRUMENTS). Michael Jefry Stevens, “WNC Best Composer 2016” and “Steinway Artist”, now accepting students in jazz piano, composition, and improvisation (all instruments).

35 years experience. M.A. from Queens College (NYC). Over 90 cds released. 9179161363. michaeljefrystevens.com

Paul Caron

Furniture Magician

FOR MUSICIANS THE PAINTING EXPERIENCE COMES TO ASHEVILLE: AUGUST 12 - 13, 2017 Experience the power of process painting as described in the groundbreaking book Life, Paint & Passion: Reclaiming the Magic of Spontaneous Expression. | The Refinery Creator Space | www. processarts.com | 415-488-6880 | www.processarts.com

No. 0705

E VEN

AT HIGHLAND BREWING CO.

AUG. 17 * 5–9PM

• Furniture Repair • Seat Caning • Antique Restoration • Custom Furniture & Cabinetry (828) 669-4625

MOUNTAINX.COM

• Black Mountain

AUG. 9 - 15, 2017

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Thanks for voting us one of the BEST again!

9 years in a row!

633 N. Main Street | Downtown Hendersonville Call for reservations | 828.698.8048 Outdoor Dining Available | www.umisushinc.com 2

BEST OF WNC - PART ONE

AUGUST 9 - 15, 2017

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

AUGUST 9 - 15, 2017

BEST OF WNC - PART ONE

3

Thank You Asheville!

12 Bones / 12 Years!

Full Rack of Wins!

Asheville Location 5 Foundy Street in the River Arts District Mon-Fri 11am-4pm

253-4499

4

Best BBQ in WNC 12 Years in a Row!

3578 Sweeten Creek Rd. Near BB Barns Nursery Tues-Sat 11am-4pm

www.12bones.com

Carry Out 4-6pm at Both Locations

BEST OF WNC - PART ONE

AUGUST 9 - 15, 2017

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

Arden Location

687-1395

Thank you, Asheville!

Thank You for Voting Us Your #1 (again) Big hugs from the Avenue M Family!

Thanks to the neighborhood for an amazing first 7 years.

1 st Place Pub Grub 1 st Place Neighborhood Bar - West 10:30am-2am, 7 days a week• Food 10:30am–1am (Brunch, Lunch & Dinner) 777 Haywood Road Asheville • www.westvillepub.com • 225-WPUB

#1

Restaurant in North Asheville

#1

Pet-Friendly Restaurant

#1

Neighborhood Bar – North

#3

Restaurant That Gives Back To The Community

Eat. Drink. Gather. in the heart of North Asheville Wed-Thu 5pm-10pm • Fri-Sat 5 pm- 10:30pm Sun Brunch 10am-2pm • Lite Fare 2pm-5pm • Dinner 5pm-9pm 791 Merrimon Avenue Asheville, NC 28804 828.350.8181 • avenuemavl.com MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

AUGUST 9 - 15, 2017

BEST OF WNC - PART ONE

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Mountain Xpress Presents

TABLE OF CONTENTS 8

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

18 SHOPPING 30 PERSONAL SERVICES 34 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 46 KIDS 54 HEALTH & WELLNESS 68 UNIQUELY ASHEVILLE

! e n o t r pa DEAR READER, We present to you the 2017 Mountain Xpress Best of WNC “X Awards” — the results of the biggest, most exhaustive and most participated-in survey about Western North Carolina (short of the U.S. Census). Each year, thousands of area residents vote for whom and what they think is best in hundreds of categories, and the Xpress staff painstakingly tallies, double-checks and certifies the results.

Western North Carolina is changing rapidly, and the results of the Best of WNC survey document those shifts year to year. From this

year’s results, you’ll find how we as a community view the problems we face (such as Biggest Threat To Asheville’s Uniqueness), our causes for celebration (e.g., Best Thing To Happen To Your Town) and whom we consider the best in scores of categories. These findings can also function as a crowd-sourced better business bureau: If you suddenly need a plumber or a funeral home or a pet sitter, the Best of WNC provides a report on the businesses your friends and neighbors love.

The Best of WNC is the biggest community collaboration project Mountain Xpress undertakes each year. The published results (spanning 400-plus categories) are the culmination of months of effort and take two issues to present. So be sure to pick up Part 2 next week to find out who’s the best in Eats, Drinks, Pets, Outdoors and other sections!

SMALL TOWNS 74 BURNSVILLE 77 BREVARD 78 HENDERSONVILLE / FLAT ROCK 79 CULLOWHEE/SYLVA

Also, watch for Xpress’ handy pocket guide to the Best of WNC, which presents all the winners in a compact, glossy format in September. And when you’re out and about, watch for X-Award certificates and store-window decals displayed by area businesses identifying them as Best of WNC winners.

A big thank-you goes to each of you who voted, to the Xpress staff who worked on the project and to the businesses who purchased thank-you ads. The ads not only showcase the winners, they help support WNC’s largest, oldest, and most widely read free media outlet, Mountain Xpress.

If you have comments or suggestions about this year’s or next year’s Best of WNC survey — please drop us a line at bestofwnc@mountainx.com.

— Jeff Fobes X

LET US KNOW

BEST OF WNC - PART ONE

BALLOT OFFICIALS Able Allen, Thomas Calder, Jeff Fobes, Dan Hesse, Susan Hutchinson, Jordan Isenhour, Lauren Kriel THEME DESIGN Scott Southwick DESIGNERS: Norn Cutson, Jordan Isenhour, Scott Southwick LISTINGS EDITORS Dan Hesse, Jordan Isenhour PHOTO COORDINATOR Able Allen PHOTOGRAPHERS Able Allen, Thomas Calder, Cindy Kunst, Adam McMillan, Emma Grace Moon, Jack Sorokin, Scott Southwick CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Able Allen, Thomas Calder, Virginia Daffron, Jeff Fobes, Susan Foster, Dan Hesse, Max Hunt, Susan Hutchinson, Alli Marshall, Tracy Rose, Gina Smith AD SALES: Thomas Allison, Sara Brecht, Bryant Cooper, Susan Hutchinson, Niki Kordus, Tim Navaille, Brian Palmieri IT & WEB: Bowman Kelley FRONT OFFICE/ ACCOUNTING: Able Allen, Amie Fowler-Tanner, Jordan Isenhour DISTRIBUTION: Denise Montgomery, Jeff Tallman and a fantastic team of devoted drivers Copyright 2017 by Mountain Xpress COVER PHOTO Adam McMillan

We have taken great care to ensure the accuracy of the Best of WNC listings, but if you have corrections, questions or suggestions, email us at listings@mountainx.com, or call 251-1333.

6

PUBLISHER & EDITOR Jeff Fobes

AUGUST 9 - 15, 2017

Some Best of WNC categories received inadequate votes to allow us to declare first-, second- and third-place winners.

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

COVER DESIGN Scott Southwick

area map

MAP KEY nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA rIVER ARTS DISTRICT

OUTLYING AREAS na OUTER NORTH sa OUTER SOUTH

na • Mars Hill • Spruce Pine

�a OUTER EAST

• Marshall • Hot Springs • Burnsville • Weaverville

wa OUTER WEST

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• Fairview • Old Fort • Marion • Swannanoa • Black Mountain • Chimney Rock

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26

NORTH

Woodfin

Grove Park Inn

EAST DOWNTOWN

wa

Asheville

• Candler • Sylva • Murphy • Cherokee • Cullowhee • Nantahala • Bryson City • Waynesville

WEST

Black Mountain River Arts District

Swannanoa

26 240

240

40

Biltmore Estate

Fairview 40

Candler

SOUTH Bent Creek

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Lake Julian

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Fletcher

• Fletcher • Brevard • Saluda • Tryon

s•a Arden/Skyland

• Hendersonville • Mills River • Flat Rock

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

Additional map for Outlying Areas on pg. 76

AUGUST 9 - 15, 2017

BEST OF WNC - PART ONE

7

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT although the open mic has LOCAL MUSIC FESTIVAL 1 LEAF FESTIVAL E a x

377 Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain 686-8742 • theLEAF.org

2 DOWNTOWN AFTER 5 d N. Lexington Ave., Asheville ashevilledowntown.org

3 FRENCH BROAD RIVER FESTIVAL n a Hot Springs frenchbroadriverfestival.com

LOCAL FESTIVAL TO CAMP OUT AT 1 LEAF FESTIVAL E a x

377 Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain 686-8742 • theLEAF.org

2 FRENCH BROAD RIVER FESTIVAL n a Hot Springs frenchbroadriverfestival.com

3 ASHEVILLE BARNAROO w a 38 Came Sharp Road, Leicester ashevillebarnaroo.com

PLACE TO HEAR LIVE MUSIC 1 THE ORANGE PEEL d x 101 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 398-1837 • theorangepeel.net

2 THE GREY EAGLE r

185 Clingman Ave., Asheville 232-5800 • thegreyeagle.com

3 ISIS MUSIC HALL w 743 Haywood Road, Asheville 575-2737 • isisasheville.com

ICON KEY nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA rIVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING

AREA

x HALL OF FAME (Winner four years or more in a row)

only recently returned to The Grey Eagle, the regularly scheduled event has already claimed top billing for Open-Mic Night Venue in this year’s Best of WNC survey. That was not the only upset in the readers’ poll.

Out of 10 band-specific categories, women artists took first place in six, with Leeda “Lyric” Jones alone placing in a whopping four categories. If this poll revealed little else, Asheville loves Lyric.

In fact, voters shared a lot of love (and opinions), coming out in droves to support their favorites in the four most-voted categories in the A&E Section: The Orange Peel (Place To Hear Live Music), Fine Arts Theatre (Movie Theater), LEAF (Local Music Festival) and Pisgah Brewing Co. (Outdoor Music Venue). Voters offered a range of personal preferences in the best Listening Room category, from shoutouts to SoFar Sounds events, the upstairs lounge at Isis Music Hall, “my living room” (which never seems to get old) and simply, as one enthusiastic live-music fan wrote, “Yes.” But Western North Carolina’s art is not only crafted in music venues and recording studios. Local theater companies, including Flat Rock Playhouse, The Magnetic Theatre, North Carolina Stage Company and category winner Asheville Community Theater, proved the play’s the thing. LaZoom Tours prevailed as best Comedy Troupe Or Series (while beloved LYLAS, though no longer in action, received plenty of votes). And we’d be remiss if we didn’t congratulate local poet Barbie Angell on her rise to No. 1 wordsmith.

Local photographer Micah Mackenzie was honored by this year’s voters, as were muralist Gus Cutty and ceramic artists Rob and Beth Mangum.

In fact, Xpress readers showed their dedication to regional craft by voting as heavily for best Craft School and favorite Studio Stroll/ Driving Tour as for best Listening Room.

— Alli Marshall X

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BEST OF WNC - PART ONE

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PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST

THE GREY EAGLE: Best Open-Mic Night Venue

Thanks for voting us Best of WNC!

It’s all fun and games until... never mind, it’s all fun and games.

828.232.7375 wellplayedasheville.com

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

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BEST OF WNC - PART ONE

9

BEST OF ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

weekly live

music

Tickets & Music Schedule at

isisasheville.com TUES-SUN 5PM-MIDNIGHT

BLUEGRASS EVERY TUESDAY

Thank You, Asheville!

PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST

THE ALTAMONT THEATRE: Best Listening Room OUTDOOR MUSIC VENUE 1 PISGAH BREWING COMPANY E a x 150 Eastside Drive, Black Mountain 669-0190 • pisgahbrewing.com

2 HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY E

#1 Bar for Live Music #2 Listening Room

12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200, Asheville 299-3370 • highlandbrewing.com

3 SALVAGE STATION d

466 Riverside Drive, Asheville 407-0521 • salvagestation.com

LISTENING ROOM

RESTAURANT TUES-SUN 5PM-MIDNIGHT BRUNCH EVERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10AM-3PM 743 HAYWOOD ROAD ASHEVILLE 828.575.2737 • ISISASHEVILLE.COM 10

BEST OF WNC - PART ONE

1 THE ALTAMONT THEATRE d 18 Church St., Asheville 782-3334 • thealtamont.com

2 ISIS MUSIC HALL w 743 Haywood Road, Asheville 575-2737 • isisasheville.com

3 THE GREY EAGLE r

185 Clingman Ave., Asheville 232-5800 • thegreyeagle.com

ART/CRAFTS FAIR OR EVENT 1 THE BIG CRAFTY x thebigcrafty.com

AUGUST 9 - 15, 2017

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

2 CRAFT FAIR OF THE SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS d

2 JOHN C. CAMPBELL FOLK SCHOOL w a

3 LEAF FESTIVAL E a

3 ODYSSEY CENTER FOR CERAMIC ARTS r

U.S. Cellular Center, 87 Haywood St., Asheville 298-7928 • craftguild.org 377 Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain 686-8742 • theLEAF.org

STUDIO STROLL/ DRIVING TOUR 1 RIVER ARTS DISTRICT STUDIO STROLL r x

552-4723 • riverartsdistrict.com

2 WEAVERVILLE ART SAFARI n a 338-9335 • weavervilleartsafari.com

3 ASHEVILLE DOWNTOWN GALLERY ASSOCIATION d 38 Biltmore Ave., Asheville

3 TOE RIVER ARTS COUNCIL GALLERY n a 102 W. Main St., Burnsville 682-7215 • toeriverarts.org

CRAFT SCHOOL OR PLACE TO LEARN A CRAFT

1 Folk School Road, Brasstown 800-FOL-KSCH • folkschool.org

236 Clingman Ave., Asheville 285-0210 • odysseyclayworks.com

LOCAL ART GALLERY 1 BLUE SPIRAL 1 d x 38 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 251-0202 • bluespiral1.com

2 WOOLWORTH WALK d 25 Haywood St., Asheville 254-9234 • woolworthwalk.com

2 ZAPOW! d

150 Coxe Ave., Asheville 575-9112 • ZaPow.com

3 THE SATELLITE GALLERY d 55 Broadway St., Asheville 505-2225 • thesatellitegallery.com

CRAFT-ORIENTED GALLERY

1 PENLAND SCHOOL OF CRAFTS n a x 1 FOLK ART CENTER E x 67 Doras Trail, Penland 765-2359 • penland.org

Milepost 382, Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville 298-7928 • craftguild.org

For 9 years of supporting indie handmade microbusiness.

For 9 years of making our community stronger.

For 9 years of hugs.

For 9 years of voting us your favorite.

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

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11

BEST OF ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 2 WOOLWORTH WALK d

THEATER COMPANY

25 Haywood St., Asheville 254-9234 • woolworthwalk.com

1 ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY THEATRE d

3 NEW MORNING GALLERY s

35 E. Walnut St., Asheville 254-1320 • ashevilletheatre.org

7 Boston Way, Asheville 274-2831 • newmorninggallerync.com

2 NORTH CAROLINA STAGE COMPANY d

NONPROFIT THAT SERVES THE ARTS Asheville 686-8742 • theleaf.org

2 ASHEVILLE AREA ARTS COUNCIL d 207 Coxe Ave., Asheville 258-0710 • ashevillearts.com

3 OPEN HEARTS ARTS CENTER w 5 Woodland Drive, Asheville 505-8428 • openheartsartcenter.org

MOVIE THEATER 1 FINE ARTS THEATRE d x

3 THE MAGNETIC THEATRE r 375 Depot St., Asheville 239-9250 • themagnetictheatre.org

ACTOR (MALE OR FEMALE) 1 SCOTT TREADWAY x 2 BRADSHAW CALL 3 STEPHANIE HICKLING BECKMAN COMEDY TROUPE OR SERIES

36 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 232-1536 • FineArtsTheatre.com

1 LAZOOM TOURS d

2 GRAIL MOVIEHOUSE d

14 Battery Park Ave., Asheville 225-6932 • lazoomtours.com

45 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville 239-9392 • grailmoviehouse.com

SCOTT TREADWAY: Best Actor

3 FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE s a 2661 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock 693-0731 • flatrockplayhouse.org

1 LEAF COMMUNITY ARTS

PHOTO BY EMMA GRACE MOON

15 Stage Lane, Asheville 239-0263 • ncstage.org

2 REASONABLY PRICED BABIES

3 THE CAROLINA CINEMARK ASHEVILLE s

450-2120 • facebook.com/RPBimprov

3 THE FERAL CHIHUAHUAS

1640 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 274-8811 • avl.mx/3n9

280-0107 • feralchihuahuas.com

WE ♥ YOU TOO!

Thanks for voting us best neighborhood bar!

828-254-3008 12

BEST OF WNC - PART ONE

|

AUGUST 9 - 15, 2017

foggymountainavl.com MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

|

12 Church Street

Mountain Xpress Presents

HIGHLAND BREWING CO. AT

AUG. 17 * 5–9PM

FEATURING X AWARD WINNING BANDS, RADIO, FOOD TRUCKS, ICE CREAM, ENTERTAINMENT, T! E VEN & SPECIAL BREWS

FRE E

797 Haywood Rd. Suite 100 828-252-5275

Thank you for voting us the best place for all your brewing needs!

Check out facebook.com/hopsandvinesavl to see what’s on tap!

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

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BEST OF WNC - PART ONE

13

BEST OF ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Peggy Ratusz Says:

Photo

by

Julie bird

“THANK YOU WNC! For voting me,

Best In Blues again & again!”

reverbnation.com/peggyratusz womenwhomademusichistoryconcertseries.com

PHOTO BY ABLE ALLEN

40 FINGERS & A MISSING TOOTH: Best Vaudeville Troupe (Burlesque, Aerial Arts, Jugglers, etc.)

VAUDEVILLE TROUPE (BURLESQUE, AERIAL ARTS, JUGGLERS, ETC.) 1 FORTY FINGERS & A MISSING TOOTH fortyfingersjuggling.com

2 ASHEVILLE VAUDEVILLE avlvaudeville.com

PERFORMANCE DANCE COMPANY 1 TERPSICORPS THEATRE OF DANCE w x 24 Arthur Road, Asheville 231-8618 • terpsicorps.org

2 TRILLIUM DANCE

facebook.com/trilliumdancecompany

3 ASHEVILLE BALLET n

4 Weaverville Highway, Asheville 252-4761 • ashevilleballet.com

PLACE TO DANCE 1 SCANDALS NIGHTCLUB d 11 Grove St., Asheville 505-1612 • scandalsnightclub.com

2 STUDIO ZAHIYA d

90 1/2 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 537-0892 • studiozahiya.com

3 THE ADMIRAL w

400 Haywood Road, Asheville 252-2541 • theadmiralnc.com

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BEST OF WNC - PART ONE

AUGUST 9 - 15, 2017

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PLACE TO TAKE DANCE CLASSES OR LESSONS

3 ALLAN WOLF allanwolf.com

1 STUDIO ZAHIYA d x

90 1/2 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 537-0892 • studiozahiya.com

2 ASHEVILLE BALLROOM AND DANCE CENTER s

991 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 274-8320 • ashevilleballroom.net

3 CHRISTINE GARVIN DANCE Asheville christinegarvin.com

OPEN-MIC NIGHT VENUE 1 THE GREY EAGLE r

185 Clingman Ave., Asheville 232-5800 • thegreyeagle.com

2 BYWATER r

796 Riverside Drive, Asheville bywaterbar.com

3 WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN E a 105-C Montreat Road, Black Mountain 669-0816 • whitehorseblackmountain.com

LOCAL AUTHOR

LOCAL POET 1 BARBIE ANGELL barbieangell.com

2 ALLAN WOLF allanwolf.com

3 GLENIS REDMOND glenisredmond.com

TRIVIA NIGHT EMCEE 1 KIPPER SCHAUER kipperstrivia.com

2 DR. BROWN’S TEAM TRIVIA 3 MEREDITH SILVER AT TWIN LEAF BREWERY d 144 Coxe Ave., Asheville 774-5000 • twinleafbrewery.com

ACOUSTIC/FOLK

1 RON RASH x

1 ASHLEY HEATH

2 ROBERT BEATTY

1 HOPE GRIFFIN

avl.mx/3vj

robert-beatty.com

ashleyheathmusic.com

hopegriffinmusic.com

WASABI Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar

Brought to you By the owners of IchIBan Japanese steakhouse

thank you asheVILLe!

wInner!

Best Japanese restaurant 2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

wInner!

Best sushI 2005-2009

2011-2017

Open 7 days for Lunch & Dinner

1 9 B r oa dwa y • d ow ntow n • 225-2551

Voted One Of The Best Japanese Restaurants 2017 Located near Biltmore Village in Biltmore station

yama Japanese restaurant now open!

4 regent Park Blvd • west asheville MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

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BEST OF WNC - PART ONE

15

BEST OF ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

PHOTO BY ABLE ALLEN (NOT THE BEST PHOTOGRAPHER)

PHOTO BY ADAM MCMILLAN

SIRIUS.B: All-Round Favorite Band AMERICANA/COUNTRY 1 AMANDA ANNE PLATT & THE HONEYCUTTERS x

2 YO MAMA'S BIG FAT BOOTY BAND bootyband.com empirestrikesbrass.com

2 STEEP CANYON RANGERS

2 TOWN MOUNTAIN townmountain.net

steepcanyon.com

1 LYRIC

underhillrose.com

R&B/SOUL

1 LEAF FESTIVAL E a 377 Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain 686-8742 • theLEAF.org

avl.mx/3v7

BUSKER/STREET GROUP 1 ABBY ROACH, ABBY THE SPOON LADY facebook.com/AbbyTheSpoonLady

2 FLY BY NIGHT ROUNDERS fbnrblues.com

DJ (NON-RADIO) 1 KIPPER SCHAUER kipperstrivia.com

2 MARLEY CARROLL

2 ASHEVILLE MUSIC SCHOOL d 126 College St., Asheville 252-6244 • ashevillemusicschool.org

MUSICIAN/BAND WHO GIVES BACK TO THE COMMUNITY 1 WARREN HAYNES warrenhaynes.net

2 LYRIC 3 ANDREW SCOTCHIE & THE RIVER RATS andrewscotchiemusic.com

marleycarroll.com

FUNK 1 LYRIC lyricfans.com

BEST OF WNC - PART ONE

ROCK andrewscotchiemusic.com

SINGER-SONGWRITER 1 JEFF THOMPSON jeffthompsonmusic.com

1 LYRIC lyricfans.com

2 ASHLEY HEATH 3 HOPE GRIFFIN hopegriffinmusic.com

VOCALIST

OLD-TIME/BLUEGRASS 1 BALSAM RANGE balsamrange.com

AUGUST 9 - 15, 2017

1 LYRIC lyricfans.com

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

2 LYRIC

lyricfans.com

1 ANDREW SCOTCHIE & THE RIVER RATS 3 STEEP CANYON RANGERS

ashleyheathmusic.com

lyricfans.com

ALL-ROUND FAVORITE BAND siriusbmusic.com

MUSIC-RELATED NONPROFIT

1 PEGGY RATUSZ

freeplanetradio.com

1 SIRIUS.B

lyricfans.com

BLUES

1 FREE PLANET RADIO 2 LES AMIS

1 LYRIC

lyricfans.com

WORLD MUSIC

facebook.com/lesamisasheville

LYRICIST

3 UNDERHILL ROSE

16

1 STEEP CANYON RANGERS steepcanyon.com

3 EMPIRE STRIKES BRASS

thehoneycutters.com

MICAH MACKENZIE: Best Photographer

steepcanyon.com

MUSIC INSTRUMENT MAKER 1 MOOG MUSIC INC. d 160 Broadway, Asheville 251-0090 • moogmusic.com

MUSIC INSTRUMENT REPAIR COMPANY 1 ACOUSTIC CORNER E a

105-F Montreat Road, Black Mountain 669-5162 • acoustic-corner.com

2 MUSICIAN’S WORKSHOP d 319 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 252-1249 • musiciansworkshop.com

3 HEYDAY MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS & REPAIR d 108 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 254-0402 • heydaymusic.net

THANK YOU WNC

continued

RECORDING STUDIO 1 ECHO MOUNTAIN RECORDING STUDIO d x 175 Patton Ave., Asheville 232-4314 • echomountain.net

MUSIC ENGINEER OR PRODUCER 1 JULIAN DREYER (JULIAN DREYER PRODUCTION AND ENGINEERING) juliandreyer.com

FIBER ARTIST 1 BARBARA ZARETSKY (BZDESIGN) r 191 Lyman St., Studio 104, Asheville 505-2958 • bzdesign.biz

JEWELRY ARTIST/DESIGNER 1 CHRIS VAN DYKE (VAN DYKE JEWELRY AND FINE CRAFT) d 29 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 281-4044 • vandykejewelry.com

METAL ARTIST OR METALWORKER 1 STEFAN “STEEBO” BONITZ MURAL ARTIST 1 GUS CUTTY guscutty.com

2 DUSTIN SPAGNOLA dustinspagnola.com

3 IAN WILKINSON ianthepainter.com

3 MEGAN KELLY avl.mx/3un

PAINTER/ILLUSTRATOR 1 JONAS GERARD r

240 Clingman Ave., No. 144, Asheville 350-7711 • jonasgerard.com

PHOTOGRAPHER 1 MICAH MACKENZIE

3 CHRISTIE CALAYCAY d

2 RODNEY SMITH (TEMPUS FUGIT DESIGN)

Pink Dog Creative, 344 Depot St., Studio 100, Asheville calaycaydesign.com

IShootLiveMusic.com

for voting us one of the best!

712-4013 • steebo.com

2 PAULA DAWKINS: JEWELS THAT DANCE d 63 Haywood St., Asheville 254-5088 • jewelsthatdance.com

3 FRANK ZIPPERER (THE MUSICSHOOTER, FRANK ZIPPERER PHOTOGRAPHY)

275-2636 • micahmack.com

273-4639 • tempusfugitdesign.com

POTTER/CERAMIC ARTIST 1 ROB AND BETH MANGUM (MANGUM POTTERY) n a 16 N. Main St., Weaverville 645-4929 • mangumpottery.com

2 AKIRA SATAKE (AKIRA SATAKE CERAMICS) r

Cotton Mill Studios, 122 Riverside Drive, Asheville 275-7612 • akirasatake.com

-2nd place (tie)

BEST EUROPEAN RESTAURANT

3 MELISSA WEISS (MELISSA WEISS POTTERY) melissaweisspottery.com

-3rd place

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

WOODWORKER 1 CHRISTOPHER PERRYMAN (GOLDSPLINTER WOODWORKING STUDIO) 17 Pickwick Road, Asheville 318-6334 • goldsplinter.com

2 KEVIN HUGHES

petespiesavl.com

Asheville 318-4134 • ancrannfurniture.com

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SHOPPING CLOTHING: DRESS-UP/STYLIN' (WOMEN'S) 1 MINX d x

64 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 225-5680 • minxasheville.com

2 AD LIB CLOTHING d

23 Haywood St., Asheville 285-8838 • adlibclothing.com

3 ELEMENTALITY E 4 S. Tunnel Road, Suite 220, Asheville 299-4751 • myelementality.com

CLOTHING: DRESS-UP/STYLIN' (MEN'S) 1 OLD NORTH d x

15 W. Walnut St., Asheville 505-6495 • oldnorthclothing.com

2 JOS. A. BANK s

9 Kitchin Place, Asheville 274-2630 • josbank.com

2 UNION HIS + HERS BOUTIQUE d 18 Haywood St., Asheville 259-3300 • unionasheville.com

CLOTHING: OFFICE (WOMEN'S) 1 MINX d

64 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 225-5680 • minxasheville.com

2 BELK E w

5 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 298-4970 • belk.com

PHOTO BY ABLE ALLEN

265 Town Center Loop, Waynesville 452-5117

THE REGENERATION STATION: Used Furniture Store (For-Profit Store)

3 TALBOTS s

IN

10 Brook St., Asheville 274-3343 • talbots.com

ICON KEY nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA rIVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA x HALL OF FAME (Winner four years or more in a row)

18

BEST OF WNC - PART ONE

an area known for its individuality and its multitudinous options, competition is fierce among retail businesses looking to attract visitors and locals alike. From groceries and books to high-end jewelry, luxury chocolate and “smoking accessories,” local retailers offer shoppers a wide variety of curios, locally sourced products and specialty items.

Chalk it up to human nature that the three most contested Shopping categories were food-related: In heavy voting, Ingles took first place

AUGUST 9 - 15, 2017

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

as All-Round Grocery Store, while Aldi and Earth Fare won BudgetFriendly Grocery Store and Health Food Store, respectively.

But voters clearly don’t live just to eat. Reading came just after eating, in terms of voting, with Malaprop’s winning best Bookstore (New Books). And how could one go shopping without shoes, which garnered almost as many votes as new book store? For that, Tops for Shoes rated, well, the top.

A special hats-off goes to two community favorites for their landslide wins: Harvest Records (Record/CD Store) and Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity ReStore (Used Furniture Store-Nonprofit).

Please welcome these newcomers to the 2017 Hall of Fame: Flora (Florist) and the Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity Restore, for those looking for some gently used furnishings.

— Max Hunt X

o t A s p h u e t v h lle’s g i r p e St tertaininig

n e t s o m

x2

stor e

We have Antiques, Uniques & Repurposed Rarities!

Get your motorcycles!

Get your junk removal!

We have it all!

#1 Used Furniture Store!

One of the

Enjoy a free beer every other Sunday!

Best Antique Stores!

26 Glendale ave • 828-505-1108

TheRegene rationStation

nstation @theregeneratio

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

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BEST OF SHOPPING CLOTHING: OFFICE (MEN'S) 1 JOS. A. BANK s

9 Kitchin Place, Asheville 274-2630 • josbank.com

2 BELK E w

5 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 298-4970 • belk.com 265 Town Center Loop, Waynesville 452-5117

CLOTHING: USED OR VINTAGE (FOR-PROFIT) 1 HONEYPOT d

86 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 225-0304 • wesohoney.com

1 RECIPROCITY w

732 Haywood Road, Asheville 505-3980 • reciprocityasheville.com

2 CLOTHES ENCOUNTERS d 340 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 251-5651 • clothesencounters.net

3 HIP REPLACEMENTS CLOTHING d 72 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 255-7573 • hipreplacementsclothing.com

PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST

ALDI: Best Budget-Friendly Grocery Store

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3 LULU’S CONSIGNMENT BOUTIQUE s a

3699 Hendersonville Road, Fletcher 687-7565 • ilovelulus.net

continued

CLOTHING: USED OR VINTAGE (NONPROFIT) 1 GOODWILL w E s x 1616 Patton Ave., Asheville 771-2192 • goodwillnwnc.org 86 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 299-3595 • goodwillnwnc.org 51 Mills Gap Road, Asheville 687-0057 • goodwillnwnc.org

2 ZEN & NOW n

9 Brookdale Road, Asheville 255-5575 • avl.mx/3w6

3 SECOND CHANCES THRIFT STORE (BROTHER WOLF ANIMAL RESCUE) s 49 Glendale Ave., Asheville 505-2017 • bwar.org/second-chances

SHOE STORE 1 TOPS FOR SHOES d x 27 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 254-6721 • topsforshoes.com

2 DISCOUNT SHOES w 1282 Brevard Road, Asheville 667-0085

3 GB SHOE WAREHOUSE s a 5418 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville 209-1800 • gbshoewarehouse.com

JEWELRY STORE 1 JEWELS THAT DANCE d x 63 Haywood St., Asheville 254-5088 • jewelsthatdance.com

2 SPICER GREENE JEWELERS d 121 Patton Ave., Asheville 253-1805 • spicergreene.com

3 JOHN LAUGHTER JEWELRY s 1800 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 274-5770 • johnljewelry.com

ALL-ROUND GROCERY STORE 1 INGLES x

For locations visit website 669-2941 • ingles-markets.com/store-locations

2 TRADER JOE'S d

120 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 232-5078 • traderjoes.com

3 EARTH FARE w

66 Westgate Parkway, Asheville 253-7656 • EarthFare.com

BUDGET-FRIENDLY GROCERY STORE 1 ALDI E w s

470 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville aldi.us 1344 Patton Ave., Asheville 330 Airport Road, Arden

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BEST OF SHOPPING

continued

The Natural Scapes team would like to thank Mountain X readers for choosing us as the #1 landscaping company again this year!

828-273-0987 www.NaturalScapesAsheville.com

PHOTO BY ADAM MCMILLAN

KIM’S ORIENTAL FOOD & GIFTS: Best Import/Ethnic Food Store

Thank you for choosing us as your favorite corner market. ...A CONVENIENT natural food store!

Everything you need (including good prices) AND an awesome deli with the cleanest ingredients you’ll find around town.

Come see us!

Open every day till 10pm Mon-Sat: 8am - 10pm Sun: 9am - 10pm 771 Haywood Rd. • West Asheville 225-4949 • Deli: 225-4952

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BEST OF WNC - PART ONE

2 HOPEY & CO. d s

45 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville 255-5228 • hopeyandcompany.com 121 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 277-0805

3 TRADER JOE'S d

120 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 232-5078 • traderjoes.com

HEALTH FOOD STORE 1 EARTH FARE w s x

66 Westgate Parkway, Asheville 253-7656 • EarthFare.com 1856 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 210-0100

2 FOREIGN AFFAIRS ORIENTAL MARKET E

611-A Tunnel Road, Asheville 299-0333 • foreignaffairsorientalmarket.com

3 YZ ASIAN MARKET w

22 New Leicester Hwy, Asheville 785-1653 • yzasianmarket.com

CONVENIENCE/ CORNER STORE 1 WEST VILLAGE MARKET & DELI w 771 Haywood Road, Asheville 225-4949 • westvillagemarket.com

2 THE GAS-UP w

405 Haywood Road, Asheville 252-5589 • thegasup.com

2 GREENLIFE GROCERY (WHOLE FOODS) d

3 LEXINGTON CORNER MARKET d

3 FRENCH BROAD FOOD COOP d

3 THE MONTFORD PULL UP

70 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 254-5440 • wholefoodsmarket.com 90 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 255-7650 • frenchbroadfood.coop

IMPORT/ETHNIC FOOD STORE 1 KIM’S ORIENTAL FOOD & GIFTS w x 5 Regent Park Blvd., Suite 110, Asheville 254-7235

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58 College St., Asheville 225-3256 • lexingtoncornermarket.com 231 Montford Ave, Asheville 273-3287

NEW FURNITURE STORE 1 TYSON FURNITURE E a x 109 Broadway, Black Mountain 669-5000 • tysonfurniture.com

2 PENLAND'S FURNITURE E w a 2700 U.S. Highway 70, Swannanoa 686-5561 • PenlandsFurniture.com 67 Main St., Canton 648-4995

3 MOBILIA d

43 Haywood St., Asheville 252-8322 • mobilianc.com

USED FURNITURE STORE (FOR-PROFIT STORE) 1 THE REGENERATION STATION s 26 Glendale Ave., Asheville 505-1108 • regenerationstation.com

2 NOTHING NEW, INC. E

811-A Tunnel Road, Asheville 298-2707 • ashevilleusedfurniture.com

3 SCREEN DOOR s

115 Fairview Road, Asheville 277-3667 • screendoorasheville.com

USED FURNITURE STORE (NONPROFIT STORE) 1 ASHEVILLE AREA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY RESTORE s x 31 Meadow Road, Asheville 254-6706 • ashevillehabitat.org/restore

Cafe, Market & Beverage Budget Friendly

Thank you for voting us one of the best Asheville!

Locations:

Downtown, Black Mountain, & Biltmore —

www . hopeyandcompany . com

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THANK YOU for voting us one of the BEST ADULT STORES in WNC!

BEST OF SHOPPING

PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST

PRESTIGE SUBARU: Best Auto Dealer — New And/Or Used 2 GOODWILL w E

1616 Patton Ave., Asheville 771-2192 • goodwillnwnc.org 86 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 299-3595 • goodwillnwnc.org

3 CAREPARTNERS FOUNDATION ESTATE SALES & HOSPICE THRIFT STORE s 75 Fairview Rd Asheville NC, Asheville 575-2509 • avl.mx/3st

BED AND MATTRESS STORE 1 COLTON MATTRESS FACTORY s 848 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 299-4445 • coltonmattress.com

1 MATTRESS MAN SUPERSTORES E s 85 Tunnel Road, Suite 10, Asheville 299-4232 • mattressmanstores.com 303 Airport Road, Arden 687-2618 1900 4 Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville 693-9000

2 MATTRESS FIRM E

209 Tunnel Road, Asheville 255-1904 • stores.mattressfirm.com

ANTIQUE STORE

Where Adult Dreams Come True • • OPEN 7 DAYS • •

SUN-THUR 8 AM - MIDNIGHT FRI & SAT 8 AM - 3 AM

(828) 684-8250

2334 Hendersonville Rd. (S. Asheville/Arden)

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AUTO DEALER NEW AND/OR USED 1 PRESTIGE SUBARU E 585 Tunnel Road, Asheville 877-300-1447 • prestigesubaru.com

2 APPLE TREE HONDA s a 242 Underwood Road, Fletcher 684-4400 • avl.mx/3s5

3 SKYLAND AUTO GROUP w 255 Smoky Park Hwy, Asheville 667-5213 • skylandautomotive.com

AUTOMOBILE TIRE STORE 1 JAN DAVIS TIRE STORE d x 209 Patton Ave., Asheville 253-5634 • jandavistire.com

2 NEWBRIDGE TIRE CENTER n 1475 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 255-8005 • newbridgetirecenter.com

3 DISCOUNT TIRE E 105 Bleachery Blvd., Asheville 318-0949 • discounttire.com

BOOKSTORE - NEW

1 ANTIQUE TOBACCO BARN E x

1 MALAPROP'S BOOKSTORE/CAFE d x

2 THE REGENERATION STATION s

2 BARNES & NOBLE E

3 SCREEN DOOR s

3 FIRESTORM BOOKS & COFFEE w

75 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville 252-7291 • ATBarn.com

26 Glendale Ave., Asheville 505-1108 • regenerationstation.com

115 Fairview Road, Asheville 277-3667 • screendoorasheville.com

PICTURE FRAMER 1 FRUGAL FRAMER d s 95 Cherry St. N., Asheville 258-2435 • frugalframer.com 2145 Hendersonville Road, Arden 687-8533

2 BLACK BIRD FRAME & ART d 365 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 225-3117 • blackbirdframe.com

3 STUDIO THREE w

428A Haywood Road, Asheville 607-651-5551 • ifearnoart.com

55 Haywood St., Asheville 254-6734 • malaprops.com

Asheville Mall, 3 S. Tunnel Road, Ashevillle 296-7335 • barnesandnoble.com 610 Haywood Road, Asheville 255-8115 • firestorm.coop

BOOKSTORE - USED 1 MR. K’S USED BOOKS & MORE s x 800 Fairview Road, Asheville 299-1145 • mrksusedbooks.com

2 DOWNTOWN BOOKS & NEWS d 67 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 253-8654 • dbnbooks.com

3 BATTERY PARK BOOK EXCHANGE & CHAMPAGNE BAR d Grove Arcade, 1 Page Ave., Suite 101, Asheville 252-0020

frugalframer

custom picture framing since 1975

What would you like to fra me ?

Thank you for voting us #1!

Downtown

95 Cherry Street North 828.258.2435

Thank You!!!

Arden

2145 Hendersonville Rd. 828.687.8533

www.frugalframer.co m

frugalframer.com

duncanandyork.com | 828.575.2441 33 N. Lexington Ave.

Mr. K’s Quality Products & Services... There is A Difference.

Used Books, MUsic and More

(828) 253-5634 | 209 Patton Ave Downtown | www.jandavistire.com

#1 Tire STore in WnC

New & USed: Books • Vinyl Records CDs • Comics • Video Games Books on CD • DVDs BUY • SeLL • TRAde

Thank You for Voting Us

1 Used Book Store

#

5 Years in a Row!

Thanks, Asheville For Voting Us #1 Again!

BRING YOUR CAR IN AND SEE WHY Great Selection of Quality Tires Alignment • Brake Service Oil Change • NC Vehicle Inspections

jandavistire.com

Open Mon. - Sat. 9am-9pm • Sun. 12-6pm 800 Fairview Rd. • Asheville, NC

River Ridge Shopping Center • Beside A.C. Moore • Hwy 240 exit #8

299-1145 • www.mrksusedbooks.com MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

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BEST OF SHOPPING

Voted Best Antique Shop in WNC!

MON-THURS 10-6 • FRI-SAT 9-6 SUN 1-6 • Call for winter hours

With 70,000 square feet of shopping in a historic tobacco barn, we have the largest selection of antiques and collectables in North Carolina!

Asheville, NC • minutes from the Biltmore Estate 75 Swannanoa River Rd (Hwy 81, Asheville) 828-252-7291 • www.atbarn.com

PHOTO BY SCOTT SOUTHWICK

VAVAVOOOM: Adult Toys, Lingerie & Naughty Things Store FLORIST 1 FLORA w x

428 Haywood Road, Asheville 252-8888 • floraevents.com

2 MERRIMON FLORIST d 329 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 232-4474 • merrimonflorist.com

3 SHADY GROVE FLOWERS d 65 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 236-1713 • shadygroveflowers.com

GIFT SHOP 1 WHIST w

444 Haywood Road, Suite 102, Asheville 252-5557 • whistshop.com

2 L.O.F.T. OF ASHEVILLE (LOST OBJECTS FOUND TREASURES) d 53 Broadway, Asheville 259-9303 • loftofasheville.com

3 DUNCAN & YORK MODERN MARKET d 33 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 575-2441 • avl.mx/3t8

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HEAD SHOP 1 OCTOPUS GARDEN SMOKE SHOP w d E x

1062 Patton Ave., Asheville 232-6030 • octopusgardensmokeshops.com 186 Coxe Ave., Asheville 254-4980 1269 Tunnel Road, Asheville 299-8880

2 THE CIRCLE ASHEVILLE w 426 Haywood Road, Asheville 254-3332 • thecircleasheville.com

3 WONDERLAND d

33 Patton Ave., Asheville 225-5037 • facebook.com/pages/WONDERLAND-ASHEVILLE/119036072803

ADULT TOYS, LINGERIE & NAUGHTY THINGS STORE 1 VAVAVOOOM d

57 Broadway, Asheville 254-6329 • vavavooom.com

2 BEDTYME STORIES s a 2334 Hendersonville Road, Arden 684-8250 • bedtymestories.com

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BEST OF SHOPPING

continued

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US #

1 PAWN SHOP AGAIN!

LARGEST JEWELRY & PAWN STORE IN ASHEVILLE!

PHOTO BY ADAM MCMILLAN

PUSH SKATESHOP AND GALLERY: Best Skateboard Store MUSICAL INSTRUMENT STORE

The LARGEST selection of jewelry, diamonds and custom designed jewelry NO CREDIT NEEDED! PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE!

3 LOCATIONS 1186 Patton Avenue 828-254-8681 M-S 9-7 • Sun 1-6

Cherokee • Open 24 Hours Across from the Casino (828) 554-0431 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE

1 HENCO REPROGRAPHICS d x

2 ACOUSTIC CORNER E a

2 IMAGE 420 SCREENPRINTING w

3 GUITAR CENTER E

3 PRINTVILLE d

319 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 252-1249 • musiciansworkshop.com

105-F Montreat Road, Black Mountain 669-5162 • acoustic-corner.com Asheville Market, 4 S. Tunnel Road, Suite 430, Asheville 298-0131 • stores.guitarcenter.com/asheville

RECORD/CD STORE

54 Broadway, Asheville 253-0449 • hencorepro.com

420 Haywood Road, Asheville 253-9420 • image420.com

Grove Arcade, 9 O’Henry Ave., Suite 116, Asheville 225-3777 • printville.net

SKATEBOARD STORE

1 HARVEST RECORDS w x

1 PUSH SKATESHOP AND GALLERY d

2 STATIC AGE RECORDS d

2 FLIPSIDE BOARDSHOP d

415 Haywood Road, Asheville 258-2999 • harvest-records.com 110 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 254-3232 • staticagerecords.biz

PAWN SHOP 1186 Patton Ave., Asheville 254-8681 • alanspawn.com 736 Tunnel Road, Asheville 299-4440

Mon-Sat 9-7

28

1 MUSICIAN'S WORKSHOP d x

1 ALAN'S JEWELRY & PAWN w E x

736 Tunnel Road 828-299-4440

PRINT SHOP

2 FINKELSTEIN'S d

21 Broadway, Asheville 253-7731 • finkelsteinspawn.com

3 LEICESTER PAWN & GUN SHOP w 142 New Leicester Highway, Asheville 285-0040 • facebook.com/leicester.pawn

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25 Patton Ave., Asheville 225-5509 • pushtoyproject.com

88 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 254-9007 • flipsideboardshop.com

TOBACCO SHOP 1 OCTOPUS GARDEN SMOKE SHOP w d E

1062 Patton Ave., Asheville 232-6030 • octopusgardensmokeshops.com 186 Coxe Ave., Asheville 254-4980 1269 Tunnel Road, Asheville 299-8880

2 B&B TOBACCONISTS d 377 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 253-8822 • bbtobacconists.com

3 TOBACCO PLUS d 6 Eagle St, Asheville 254-0048

VAPE SHOP 1 ASHEVILLE VAPOR d s 333 Merrimon Ave, Asheville 367-3333 • ashevillevapor.com

2144-B Hendersonville Road, Arden 393-8273 423 N. Church St., Hendersonville 828-919-8273

2 MAD VAPES w E

1334 Patton Ave., Suite 110, Asheville 255-5152 • MadVapesAVL.com 271 Tunnel Road, Asheville 785-1589

STORE THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF ASHEVILLE 1 MAST GENERAL STORE d 15 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 232-1883 • mastgeneralstore.com

2 L.O.F.T. OF ASHEVILLE (LOST OBJECTS FOUND TREASURES) d 53 Broadway, Asheville 259-9303 • loftofasheville.com

3 MALAPROP'S BOOKSTORE/CAFE d 55 Haywood St., Asheville 254-6734 • malaprops.com

WNC’s

Olde Time Tobacco Shoppe

Thank you,

Asheville!

B&B Tobacconists 377 Merrimon Ave ( 828 ) 253-8822

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PERSONAL SERVICES SPA 1 THE SPA AT OMNI GROVE PARK INN n x

290 Macon Ave., Asheville 800-438-5800 • omnigroveparkinn.com

2 SENSIBILITIES DAY SPA d s 59 Haywood St., Asheville 253-3222 • sensibilities-spa.com

The Hilton at Biltmore Park Town Square, 43 Town Square Blvd., Asheville 687-8760

3 SHOJI RETREATS s

96 Avondale Heights Road, Asheville 299-0999 • shojiretreats.com

HAIR SALON 1 ANANDA HAIR STUDIO d w 22 Broadway, Asheville 232-1017 • anandahair.com 37 Paynes Way 232-1017

2 WILLOW’S DREAM d 64 Broadway, Asheville 225-5922 • willowsdream.com

3 WINK SALON & BOUTIQUE s 18 Brook St., Suite 103, Asheville 277-4070 • ilovewink.com

HAIR STYLIST 1 JAMI REDLINGER (THE MIDDY) d x

PHOTO BY THOMAS CALDER

51 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville 254-4247 • themiddy.com

THE LOCAL BARBER & TAP: Best Barber Shop

2 MARCY LANIER (WILLOW’S DREAM) 64 Broadway, Asheville 225-5922 • willowsdream.com

WHAT

3 HOLIDAY CHILDRESS (SOLA SALON STUDIOS) 124 College St, Asheville, NC 28801, Asheville avl.mx/3th

BARBER SHOP 1 THE LOCAL BARBER & TAP d 84 W. Walnut St., Unit B, Asheville 232-7005 • facebook.com/localbarberavl

2 ASHEVILLE BARBER AND BEARD d Grove Arcade, 1 Page Ave. #111, Asheville 281-9659

3 THE CHOP SHOP BARBER SHOP

is it about hair? Voters had strong opinions on the matter, making Hair Salon and Hair Stylist the most contested categories in Personal Services. And when the counting was over, Ananda Hair Studio and Jami Redlinger emerged triumphant.

Last year, voters asked us (and we listened) to add a category for Barber.

So, who won the honors? Why, the Local Barber & Tap (which opened last year), where you can get a brew with your trim. How very Ashevillesque.

With about one in five people sporting a tattoo these days, it’s not

606 New Leicester Hwy Unit C, Asheville 412-5466

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surprising that so many readers were keen to weigh in on Best Tattoo Parlor, once again giving top kudos to West Asheville’s Hot Stuff Tattoo, which opened in 2009. (Though if you count Gen Xers and millennials only, the Pew Research Center puts the number of the tattooed between 32 and 38 percent, respectively, and those age groups make up a significant portion of our readership.)

Reflecting our collective desire to both bliss out and look smashing, voters named The Spa at the Omni Grove Park Inn as best Spa.

So what’s missing from this year’s Personal Services categories?

Voters suggested reviving the “best massage therapist” category. Maybe there’s a local massage-and-kavabar in our future.

Please welcome new Hall of Fame winners Jami Redlinger (of The Middy) for Best Hair Stylist and Faerie Made Soap for Local Body Products Maker.

— Tracy Rose X

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# 1 local cidery, #2 Brewmaster: Josie Mielke

BEST OF PERSONAL SERVICES 2 DANNY REED (HOT STUFF TATTOO) w

NAIL SALON

416 Haywood Road, Asheville 251-6040 • hotstufftattoos.com

1 HANDS ON SPA n x

f U.O. Best o ver!

Tap Takeo 8/18-8/19

640 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 255-4540 • handsonspaasheville.com

Here's to you, Ashevil le!

210 Haywood rd. wavl | urbanorchardcider.com | 828-744-5151

3 KERRY BURKE (HEART OF GOLD BODY ARTS) s a

2 CICI NAILS n

218 5th Ave. W., Hendersonville 674-1174 • heartofgoldbodyarts.com

964 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 281-4646 • facebook.com/pages/CiCi-NailsSpa/191217037573761

PIERCING STUDIO

3 CURE NAIL STUDIO AT WILLOW’S DREAM d

1 DIAMOND THIEVES BODY PIERCING & TATTOO w

64 Broadway, Asheville 225-5922 • willowsdream.com

1570 Patton Ave., Asheville 225-3845 • diamondthieves.net

TATTOO PARLOR 1 HOT STUFF TATTOO w x

2 BELLA FINE JEWELRY AND PIERCING d

2 SACRED LOTUS TATTOO w

3 MANS RUIN TATTOOS AND PIERCINGS E

51 Coxe Ave, Asheville 708-4663 • bellapiercing.com

416 Haywood Road, Asheville 251-6040 • hotstufftattoos.com

328 New Leicester Highway, Suite 140, Asheville 552-3177 • sacredlotustattoo.com

3 MANS RUIN TATTOO AND PIERCING E 1085 Tunnel Road, Suite 2A, Asheville 253-6660 • mansruintattoos.com

LOCAL BODY PRODUCTS MAKER

TATTOO ARTIST 1 KIMI LEGER (SACRED LOTUS TATTOO) w

1085 Tunnel Road, Suite 2A, Asheville 253-6660 • mansruintattoos.com

1 FAERIE MADE SOAP x

251-5291 • faeriemadesoaps.com

2 BONNY BATH ORGANIC BODYCARE

328 New Leicester Highway, Suite 140, Asheville 552-3177 • sacredlotustattoo.com

Asheville 713-7695 • bonnybath.com

Mans Ruin Tattoo & Piercing * All Female Staff *

Thanks WNC! Sensibilities LOVES Asheville!

Thank you for 18 wonderful years and for voting us among the best Asheville has to offer. massage • facials • nails • gift certificates

Downtown : 59 Haywood St. : 828.253.3222 South : Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park : 828.687.8760

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Voted “Best Of” in multiple categories

16 Years!

WE’VE MOVED! New Location:

1085 Tunnel Rd - Asheville

828-253-6660

www.mansruintattoos.com

Many Thanks!

828.545.5503 s m a r t f e l l e r t re ewo r k s .co m

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ACCOUNTANT/CPA FIRM 1 AUSTIN CPA, PC d x 301 W. Haywood St., Asheville 785-1556 • austincpapc.com

2 STORCK CPA d

8 Magnolia Ave. Suite 200, Asheville 505-3791 • storckcpa.com

3 GOULD KILLIAN CPA GROUP, P.A. d 100 Coxe Avenue, Asheville 258-0363 • gk-cpa.com

ALT ENERGY SALES AND INSTALLATION 1 SUNDANCE POWER SYSTEMS n a x 11 Salem Hill Road, Weaverville 645-2080 • sundancepower.com

2 HAYNES SOLAR w

187 Deaverview Road, Asheville 254-6141 • mbhaynes.com

3 ELEEOS E 129 Bleachery Blvd Suite 58, Asheville 575-9337 • eleeos.com

ARCHITECTURAL FIRM 1 SAMSEL ARCHITECTS d x 60 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 253-1124 • samselarchitects.com

BIKE REPAIR 1 LIBERTY BICYCLES s x

PHOTO BY THOMAS CALDER

1378 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 274-2453 • libertybikes.com

THE VAN WINKLE LAW FIRM: Best Law Firm

2 MOTION MAKERS BICYCLE SHOP w 878 Brevard Road, Asheville 633-2227 • motionmakers.com

let’s

3 YOUNGBLOOD BICYCLES d 233 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 251-4686 • youngbloodbikes.com

ICON KEY nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA rIVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING

AREA

x HALL OF FAME (Winner four years or more in a row)

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BEST OF WNC - PART ONE

face it, when you need a pro — whether to fix a broken pipe or prepare your taxes — you want the best. Fortunately, WNC has a deep bench of professional and home services talent, from real estate agents to lawyers to repair experts.

Based on the results of our polling, local residents really (like, really) love their real estate companies and agents.

Keller Williams Realty and their Matt & Molly Team took top honors, with the Team scoring a landslide win, which leads us to believe those agents are filling their open houses with the aroma of fresh-baked cookies on a regular basis.

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If your home has a ways to go before it qualifies as a castle, consider enlisting the help of Asheville’s cadre of home service providers, which includes scads of architects, cleaners, plumbers, electricians, solar power experts and more. And some have earned voters’ respect for many years, such as perennial winners Liberty Bicycles and Charlotte Street Computers.

Employment in professional and technical services grew over 7 percent between 2012 and 2015 in the Asheville metropolitan statistical area, while jobs in real estate grew over 15 percent, according to U.S. Census

data. What’s more, every employment category in professional and home services added jobs. Translated: This area is home to an increasing number of skilled specialists.

Please welcome these new winners to the Hall of Fame: Austin CPA (Accountant/CPA Firm); Xpertech Car Care (Car Repair); Swannanoa Cleaners (Dry Cleaner); and Gentry Heating and Cooling (Heating/ Cooling Company).

— Virginia Daffron X

#1 Accountant/CPA Thanks for voting us #1 in WNC four years in a row!

Not to sound like Accountaholics, but we find your faith in us simply intaxicating!

-George Austin CPA, CVA & Joel Chambers Action Tax

301 W Haywood St Asheville, NC 28801 | 828-785-1556 | austincpapc.com MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

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BEST OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CAR REPAIR 1 XPERTECH CAR CARE E x 1295 Tunnel Road, Asheville 298-3612 • facebook.com/pages/Xpertech-CarCare/138477116200504

2 ORGANIC MECHANIC w 568 Haywood Road, Asheville 255-2628 • organic-mechanic.com

3 MIKE BYER AUTO d 135 Coxe Ave., Asheville 258-0548 • mikebyerauto.com

COMPUTER REPAIR 1 CHARLOTTE STREET COMPUTERS d x 252 Charlotte St., Asheville 225-6600 • charlottestreetcomputers.com

2 ONE CLICK FIX d 438 Montford Ave., Asheville 318-8558 • oneclickavl.com

PHOTO BY EMMA GRACE MOON

CHARLOTTE STREET COMPUTERS: Best Computer Repair

3 COMPUTER MECHANIX, INC. w 4 Vermont Ave., Asheville 281-4379 • computermechanix.com

Asheville’s Thank you for recognizing One Click Fix in the “Best of” Most Reliable computer repair category.

We’re grateful to our clients Computer and community - We strive to provide the best service possible.

Repair Greg Mayer info@oneclickavl.com | oneclickavl.com | 828-318-8558 Shop Hours: 9-5 M-F | 438 Montford Ave., Asheville, NC 28801 36

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BEST OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DRY CLEANER 1 SWANNANOA CLEANERS d w n x 165 Coxe Ave., Asheville 253-3691 • swannanoacleaners.com 1356 Patton Ave., Asheville 254-2098 712 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 252-3676

2 ASHEVILLE CLEANERS d 230 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 254-2364 • ashevillecleaners.com

3 QUICK AS A WINK s 750 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 253-2331

ELECTRICAL/ELECTRICIAN COMPANY 1 MB HAYNES CORPORATION w x 187 Deaverview Road, Asheville 254-6141 • mbhaynes.com

2 JACKSON ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS s a 6 Bagwell Mill Road, Arden 891-4335 • jacksonelect.com

3 LEE LYDA ELECTRIC s

950 Old Fairview Rd Ste 1, Asheville 274-3454

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GREEN BUILDER 1 JAG & ASSOCIATES CONSTRUCTION E 33 Mineral Springs Road, Asheville 252-4205 • JAGGreen.com

2 JADE MOUNTAIN BUILDERS 216-3948 • Jademountainbuilders.com

3 DELTEC HOMES w 69 Bingham Road, Asheville 800-642-2508 • deltechomes.com

HEATING/COOLING COMPANY 1 GENTRY HEATING INC. E d a x 100 Buckeye Access Road, Swannanoa 581-4045 • gentryheatinginc.com 68 Grove St., Asheville 581-4045

2 BULLMAN HEATING & AIR n 10 Red Roof Lane, Asheville 658-2468 • bullmanheating.com

3 MB HAYNES CORPORATION w 187 Deaverview Road, Asheville 254-6141 • mbhaynes.com

THANK YOU, ASHEVILLE! for voting us

#1 Automotive Repair Shop, Again!

1295 Tunnel Road Asheville, NC 298-3612

Family Owned & Operated

100 Buckeye Access Rd. (828) 274-2520 www.Gentr yHeatingInc.com

On time and Professional Since 1963 MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

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BEST OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

PHOTO BY EMMA GRACE MOON

T.P. HOWARD’S PLUMBING CO.: Best Plumbing Company HOME CLEANING SERVICE 1 GREEN HOME CLEANING d 306 W. Haywood St., Asheville 505-7320 • greenhomecleaning.com

2 GREENBEE CLEANING CO. d 8 Magnolia Ave., Suite 101, Asheville 450-0846 • greenbeeclean.com

2 RICKY CLEAN Asheville 443-3597

LAW FIRM 1 VAN WINKLE LAW FIRM 11 N. Market St., Asheville 475-8855 • vwlawfirm.com

2 GOOSMANN ROSE COLVARD & CRAMER, P.A. d 77 Central Ave., Suite H, Asheville 258-0150 • grcclaw.com

3 ROBERTS & STEVENS, P.A. d 301 College Street Suite 400, Asheville 252-6600 • roberts-stevens.com

MOVING COMPANY 1 TWO MEN AND A TRUCK s a

240 Rutledge Road, Fletcher 355-6058 • twomenandatruckasheville.com

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2 RJT RELOCATION s a 6 Trident Drive, Arden 209-0171 • rjtrelocation.com

3 GASPERSON MOVING AND STORAGE n

250 Weaverville Road, Asheville 388-5757 • gaspersonmoving.com

PEST CONTROL SERVICE 1 TERMINIX E x

232 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville 253-3816 • TrustTerminix.com

2 GIBSON PEST CONTROL s a 3601 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden 888-483-6507 • gibsonpest.com

3 DODSON PEST CONTROL w 121 S. Bear Creek Road, Asheville 501-5088 • dodsonbros.com

PLUMBING COMPANY 1 T.P. HOWARD'S PLUMBING CO. E a 90 Number Nine Road, Fairview 628-1369 • tphowardsplumbing.com

2 HAYNES PLUMBING SYSTEMS w 187 Deaverview Road, Asheville 254-6141 • mbhaynes.com

Responsible Automotive Service & Repair

Thank you for voting us #1 again!

828.505.7320

greenhomecleaning.com

Voted one of the BEST OF WNC for 12 years in a row. Thank you!

Call us!

255.2628

organic-mechanic.com • 568 Haywood Rd • West Asheville

Thank you WNC for voting us #1!

Call 828-628-1369 for all your plumbing needs 90 Number Nine Rd. Fairview, NC 28730

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Thank you for voting for us one of the best for 5 years in a row!

PMS 632 PMS 3165 PMS 628

BE

ST OF

14

20 WNC

Sunshine Window Cleaning

Green Bee House Cleaning

828.281.0062 sunshinewindowgutter.com

828.450.0846 greenbeeclean.com

THANKS, ASHEVILLE! for voting me one of the Best!

5 years in a row!

Sona Merlin Real Estate Broker Appalachian Realty (828) 216-7908 www.sonamerlin.com MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

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BEST OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 3 FOUR SEASONS PLUMBING s

THANKS FOR VOTING US ONE OF THE BEST IN WNC! WE HAVE BIKES

ON SALE AT

30

%

OFF

OFFERING BIKES FROM BMC, YETI, PIVOT & CANNONDALE

233 MERRIMON AVE

828-251-4686

YOUNGBLOODBIKES.COM

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REAL ESTATE COMPANY

30 Bella Way, Asheville 216-3894

1 KELLER WILLIAMS d

86 Asheland Ave., Asheville 254-7253 • kellerwilliamsasheville.com

REAL ESTATE AGENT

2 BEVERLY-HANKS & ASSOCIATES d s

1 THE MATT & MOLLY TEAM (KELLER WILLIAMS) d x

300 Executive Park, Asheville 254-7221 • beverly-hanks.com

1 Town Square Blvd., Suite 140, Asheville 684-4324

86 Asheland Ave., Asheville 210-1697 • themattandmollyteam.com

2 SONA MERLIN (APPALACHIAN REALTY ASSOCIATES) d

3 TOWN AND MOUNTAIN REALTY d 261 Asheland Ave., Asheville 232-2879 • townandmountain.com

23 Arlington St., Asheville 216-7908 • homeiswnc.net

3 MARK LAVIN, CAROLINA MOUNTAIN SALES s 10 Brook St., Suite 235, Asheville 777-8085 • advocaterealtync.com

ICON KEY

WEB DEVELOPMENT FIRM 1 INTEGRITIVE d

120 Coxe Ave., Suite 2-A, Asheville 250-0970 • integritive.com

nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA rIVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING

AREA

x HALL OF FAME (Winner four years or more in a row)

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KIDS AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM 1 ASHEVILLE SUN SOO TAE KWON DO w 1009 Patton Ave., Asheville 505-4309 • martialartsasheville.com

1 RAINBOW COMMUNITY SCHOOL, RAINBOW'S END w 574 Haywood Road, Asheville 258-9264 • rainbowcommunityschool.org

2 YMCA OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA d 30 Woodfin St., Asheville 210-9622 • ymcawnc.org

3 JCC KIDS d

236 Charlotte St., Asheville 253-0701 • jcc-asheville.org

DAY TRIP FOR KIDS 1 WNC NATURE CENTER E x 75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville 259-8080 • wncnaturecenter.com

2 THE NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM w 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville 665-2492 • ncarboretum.org

EVENT OR FESTIVAL FOR KIDS 1 LEAF FESTIVAL E a x

PHOTO BY THOMAS CALDER

377 Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain 686-8742 • theLEAF.org

ASHEVILLE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE: Best Museum

KIDS ENTERTAINER

having a

1 SECRET AGENT 23 SKIDOO secretagent23skidoo.com

2 BILLY JONAS billyjonas.com

3 PROFESSOR WHIZZPOP 506-3198 • professorwhizzpop.com

ICON KEY nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA rIVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA x HALL OF FAME (Winner four years or more in a row)

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positive attitude is important if you have kids, and overall, Xpress readers seem to be an optimistic lot, with those who think Asheville is getting better (35 percent) edging out those who think the town is getting worse (33 percent).

An upbeat vibe echoes, as well, throughout the top vote-getters for all things kids-oriented, reflecting the active and engaged way we seem to approach our corner of the world.

Take LEAF, for example, the winner of Best Event or Festival For Kids. Not only is it an enormously popular way to spend a weekend while diving into music, art and culture from around the world, the nonprofit’s LEAF Schools & Streets cultural arts program encourages young people to become

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“global citizens, leaders and agents of positive change,” as its website notes.

Asheville Sun Soo Tae Kwon Do — which won for Martial Arts Program, Parents’ Night Out Program and tied with Rainbow Community School for its After-school Program — expresses in its mission statement how it aims beyond martial arts training toward something even bigger: “to make the greatest positive difference for the greatest number of people.”

Local children and families have wide-ranging interests, as evidenced by the nods to other top vote-getters, including Best Museum (the relocated, revamped and rebranded Asheville Museum of Science) and Best Day Trip For Kids (the Western North Carolina Nature Center, featuring

one of the world’s largest collections of Southern Appalachians animal species). And everyone can get behind the pure joy of a trip to a toy store when the ever-popular Dancing Bear Toys is the destination.

Please welcome these new Hall of Fame winners: Camp Ruach (Day Camp); Sue Ford of Rainbow Community School (Music Teacher— Classroom); The North Carolina Arboretum (Nature Camp); and Great Beginnings Pediatric & Orthodontic Dental Specialists (Pediatric Dentistry Practice).

— Tracy Rose X

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BEST OF KIDS

PHOTO BY EMMA GRACE MOON

LAUNCH TRAMPOLINE PARK: Best Place For Birthday Parties, Best Recreation Center For Kids RECREATION CENTER FOR KIDS 1 LAUNCH TRAMPOLINE PARK s a 24 Walden Drive, Arden 651-0280 • launchasheville.com

2 WNC NATURE CENTER E 75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville 259-8080 • wncnaturecenter.com

3 MOUNTAIN PLAY LODGE s a 3389 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden 676-2120 • mountainplaylodge.com

MUSEUM 1 ASHEVILLE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE d 43 Patton Avenue, Asheville 254-7162 • ashevillescience.org

2 ASHEVILLE ART MUSEUM d 175 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 253-3227 • ashevilleart.org

3 HANDS ON! A CHILD’S GALLERY s a 318 N. Main St., Hendersonville 697-8333 • handsonwnc.org

PLAYGROUND 1 CARRIER PARK w x 220 Amboy Road, Asheville

2 RAINBOW COMMUNITY SCHOOL w 574 Haywood Road, Asheville 258-9264 • rainbowcommunityschool.org

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3 JONES PARK n Woodfin avl.mx/3tt

PLACE FOR BIRTHDAY PARTIES 1 LAUNCH TRAMPOLINE PARK s a 24 Walden Drive, Asheville 651-0280 • launchasheville.com

2 THE HOP ICE CREAM CAFE n w 640 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 254-2224 • thehopicecreamcafe.com 721 Haywood Road, Asheville 252-5155

3 FUN DEPOT s

7 Roberts Road, Asheville 277-2386 • ashevillesfundepot.com

PLACE TO MAKE ART 1 FIRED UP! CREATIVE LOUNGE d s x 26 Wall St., Asheville 253-8181 • fireduplounge.com

350 Chadwick Ave., Suite 200, Hendersonville 698-9960

2 ROOTS + WINGS SCHOOL OF ART AND DESIGN E 573 Fairview Road, Asheville 545-4827 • rootsandwingsarts.com

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Mountain Xpress Presents

HIGHLAND BREWING CO. AT

AUG. 17 * 5–9PM

FEATURING X AWARD WINNING BANDS, RADIO, FOOD TRUCKS, ICE CREAM, ENTERTAINMENT, T! E VEN & SPECIAL BREWS

FRE E

BEST OF KIDS RESTAURANT WITH THE BEST KIDS-EAT-FREE (OR CHEAP) NIGHT 1 NEO BURRITO w s E 1341 Parkwood Road, Asheville 772-9602 • eatneo.com 2 Town Square Blvd., Asheville 676-2066 • eatneo.com 4 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 772-9619 • eatneo.com

PARENTS NIGHT OUT PROGRAM 1 ASHEVILLE SUN SOO TAE KWON DO w 1009 Patton Ave., Asheville 505-4309 • martialartsasheville.com

2 ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY MOVEMENT n 812 Riverside Drive, Asheville 254-6060 • avl.mx/3sh

3 YMCA OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA d 30 Woodfin St., Asheville 210-9622 • ymcawnc.org

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY 1 BROTHER WOLF ANIMAL RESCUE s x 31 Glendale Ave., Asheville 505-3440 • bwar.org

2 MANNA FOODBANK E 627 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville 299-3663 • mannafoodbank.org

SCHOOL (PRE-COLLEGE) 1 RAINBOW COMMUNITY SCHOOL w 574 Haywood Road, Asheville 258-9264 • rainbowcommunityschool.org

2 ARTSPACE CHARTER SCHOOL E a 2030 U.S. Highway 70, Swannanoa 298-ARTS • artspacecharter.org

3 EVERGREEN COMMUNITY CHARTER SCHOOL E 50 Bell Road, Asheville 298-2173 • evergreenccs.org

PRESCHOOL 1 RAINBOW COMMUNITY SCHOOL w 574 Haywood Road, Asheville 258-9264 • rainbowcommunityschool.org

2 ST. PAUL'S PRESCHOOL d

223 Hillside St., Asheville 252-6512 • stpaulsumcasheville.org/preschool

3 SHALOM CHILDREN’S CENTER FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD d 236 Charlotte St., Asheville 253-0701 • jcc-asheville.org

DAYCARE 1 SHALOM CHILDREN’S CENTER FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD d 236 Charlotte St., Asheville 253-0701 • jcc-asheville.org

2 YWCA OF ASHEVILLE & WNC d 185 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville 254-7206 • ywcaofasheville.org

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TEACHER - ELEMENTARY 1 EDDY WEBB (RAINBOW COMMUNITY SCHOOL) 574 Haywood Road, Asheville

2 SUSIE ROBIDOUX (RAINBOW COMMUNITY SCHOOL) 574 Haywood Road, Asheville 258-9264 • rainbowcommunityschool.org

3 KAREN PUGH (FAIRVIEW ELEMENTARY) Asheville 628-2731 • fes.buncombeschools.org

TEACHER - MIDDLE SCHOOL 1 SUSAN WADDELL (RAINBOW COMMUNITY SCHOOL) 574 Haywood Road, Asheville 258-9264 • rainbowcommunityschool.org

2 JOHN HALL (ARTSPACE CHARTER SCHOOL) a 2030 US Hwy 70, Swannanoa 298-ARTS • artspacecharter.org

MUSIC TEACHER - CLASSROOM 1 SUE FORD (RAINBOW COMMUNITY SCHOOL) w x 574 Haywood Road, Asheville 258-9264 • rainbowcommunityschool.org

2 MEG BOERNER (ARTSPACE CHARTER SCHOOL) E a 2030 U.S. Highway 70, Swannanoa 298-ARTS • artspacecharter.org

3 ALLYSON MACCAULEY (KINDERMUSIC) s 9 Swan St., Asheville 318-3100 • kindermusik.com

MUSIC TEACHER PRIVATE LESSONS 1 KIMBERLY CANN (PIANO LAB STUDIOS) w 40 Westgate Parkway, Asheville piano-lab.com

1 SARAH FOWLER (JOYFUL NOISE COMMUNITY MUSIC & ARTS CENTER) a Marshall joyfulnoisecenter.org/faculty/sarah-fowler

2 STEVE NEWBROUGH Asheville 674-3081 • snguitar.com

ART EDUCATION PROGRAM 1 RAINBOW COMMUNITY SCHOOL w 574 Haywood Road, Asheville 258-9264 • rainbowcommunityschool.org

2 ARTSPACE CHARTER SCHOOL E a 2030 U.S. Highway 70, Swannanoa 298-ARTS • artspacecharter.org

3 ROOTS + WINGS SCHOOL OF ART AND DESIGN E 573 Fairview Road, Asheville 545-4827 • rootsandwingsarts.com

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BEST OF KIDS

continued

OUTDOOR EDUCATION NONPROFIT 1 MUDDY SNEAKERS s a PO Box 146, Brevard 28712 862-5560 • muddysneakers.org

DANCE STUDIO 1 STUDIO ZAHIYA d

90 1/2 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville 537-0892 • studiozahiya.com

2 BALLET CONSERVATORY OF ASHEVILLE d 6 E. Chestnut St., Asheville 255-5777 • avl.mx/3sl

3 CENTER STAGE DANCE STUDIO s 38-L Rosscragon Road, Asheville 654-7010 • centerstage1.com

GYMNASTICS PROGRAM 1 ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY MOVEMENT n x 812 Riverside Drive, Asheville 254-6060 • avl.mx/3sh

2 OSEGA GYMNASTICS E a 1800 U.S. Highway 70, Swannanoa 665-0004 • osegagym.com

3 ASHEVILLE GYMNASTICS E 130 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville 252-8746 • ashevillegymnastics.com

PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST

THE LITTLEST BIRDS: Best Kids’ Clothes

MARTIAL ARTS PROGRAM 1 ASHEVILLE SUN SOO TAE KWON DO w x

1009 Patton Ave., Asheville 505-4309 • martialartsasheville.com

2 BUDO MOUNTAIN MARTIAL ARTS n 640 Merrimon Ave., Suite 207, Asheville 280-0624 • budomountain.com

3 SHAOLIN KUNG-FU OF ASHEVILLE w 619A Haywood Road, Asheville 707-1287 • ashevilleshaolin.com

YOUTH SPORTS PROGRAM 1 ASHEVILLE BUNCOMBE YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION E 593 Azalea Road E., Asheville 299-7277 • abysa.org

518 Kenilworth Road, Asheville 255-8697 • dancingbeartoys.com 418 N. Main St., Hendersonville 693-4500

2 THE TOY BOX n

793 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 254-8697 • toyboxasheville.com

3 O.P. TAYLOR'S s

2 Town Square Blvd., Asheville 681-1865 • optaylors.com

DAY CAMP 1 CAMP RUACH d x 236 Charlotte St., Asheville 253-0701 • jcc-asheville.org

2 ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY MOVEMENT n

3 YMCA OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA d

3 YMCA OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA d

30 Woodfin St., Asheville 210-9622 • ymcawnc.org

KIDS' CLOTHES 1 THE LITTLEST BIRDS w 647 Haywood Road, Asheville 253-4747 • thelittlestbirds.com

2 CHILDREN'S TRADING POST n 633 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 254-5432 • childrenstradingpost.com

BEST OF WNC - PART ONE

1 DANCING BEAR TOYS E s x

2 ASHEVILLE SUN SOO TAE KWON DO w 1009 Patton Ave., Asheville 505-4309 • martialartsasheville.com

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TOY STORE

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812 Riverside Drive, Asheville 254-6060 • avl.mx/3sh

30 Woodfin St., Asheville 210-9622 • ymcawnc.org

NATURE CAMP

3 FOREST FLOOR WILDERNESS PROGRAMS - RUN WILD! SUMMER CAMP E 472 Shope Creek Road, Asheville 338-9787 • ontheforestfloor.org

PEDIATRIC PRACTICE GENERAL 1 ABC PEDIATRICS OF ASHEVILLE s x 64 Peachtree Road, Suite 100, Asheville 277-3000 • abcasheville.com

2 ASHEVILLE PEDIATRIC ASSOCIATES s 2 Medical Park Drive, Suite 1000, Asheville 254-5326 • ashevillepediatrics.com

3 FRENCH BROAD PEDIATRICS n 40 Merrimon Ave., Suite 117, Asheville 348-8232 • frenchbroadpeds.com

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY PRACTICE 1 GREAT BEGINNINGS PEDIATRIC & ORTHODONTIC DENTAL SPECIALISTS s x 10-B Yorkshire St., Asheville 274-9220 • greatbeginningspedo.com 50 Bowman Drive, Waynesville 454-9156

1 THE NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM w x

2 ASHEVILLE PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY s

2 WNC NATURE CENTER E

3 DR. DENNIS CAMPBELL d

100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville 665-2492 • ncarboretum.org 75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville 259-8080 • wncnaturecenter.com

76 Peachtree Road, Suite 100, Asheville 277-6788 • ashevillepedo.com 172 Asheland Ave, Asheville 254-7291 • babytoothdoc.com

YOUR CLOTH DIAPER AND BABYWEARING HEADQUARTERS

Thank you for voting us the Best Kids Clothing Store!

Back to school sale is going on now

Enjoy 50% off consignment clothing and 25% off new clothing 647 Haywood Rd. ~ West Asheville ~ 253-4747

thelittlestbirds.com

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HEALTH & WELLNESS PHYSICIAN (GENERAL PRACTICE) 1 MEREDITH POLANSKY (OUR FAMILY DOCTOR) d

43 Oakland Road, Asheville 252-2511 • ourfamilydoctorasheville.com

2 MICHAEL WEIZMAN, MD (OUR FAMILY DOCTOR) d

43 Oakland Road, Asheville 252-2511 • ourfamilydoctorasheville.com

3 GUS VICKERY s

15 Yorkshire Street, Asheville 274-1600 • vickeryfamilymed.com

PEDIATRICIAN 1 LAUREN KEELY CARLISLE (FRENCH BROAD PEDIATRICS) n 40 N. Merrimion Ave., Suite 117, Asheville 348-8232 • frenchbroadpeds.com

2 SCOTT LOVE (ABC PEDIATRICS) s 64 Peachtree Road, Suite 100, Asheville 277-3000 • abcasheville.com

3 JOHN TEMPLETON (FRENCH BROAD PEDIATRICS) n 40 Merrimon Ave., Suite 117, Asheville 348-8232 • frenchbroadpeds.com

CHIROPRACTOR 1 DEREK KASTEN (ONE LOVE CHRIOPRACTIC) n

PHOTO BY CINDY KUNST

959 Merrimon Ave., Suite 201, Asheville 505-1584 • onelovechiropractic.com

ASHEVILLE EYE ASSOCIATES: Best Eye Care Specialist/Service

2 DR. J. ANYA HARRIS, DC d 36 Clayton St., Asheville 335-2208 • crystalignchiropractic.com

From

ICON KEY nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA rIVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA x HALL OF FAME (Winner four years or more in a row)

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BEST OF WNC - PART ONE

cradle to grave — maternity to mortuary and everything in between — WNC residents have an abundant array of comprehensive and varied health services at their fingertips. And tourists still flock to Asheville, the plateau between the mountains long known as a health care mecca.

Asheville’s reputation as a wellness destination hails from the 1870s, when its mild climate and fresh mountain air began to draw people for the treatment of

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tuberculosis and other respiratory illnesses. It soon became known as the great sanitarium of the eastern United States.

With that foundation, Western North Carolina now attracts a broad spectrum of health care providers — some looking to practice traditional medicine at the region’s first-rate hospitals and others (drawn by the energy of crystals embedded in its mountains, so the New Agers say) proffering alternative modalities, ranging from acupuncture to aromatherapy.

As might be expected, this year’s most-voted categories in this section were Physician, Dentist, Gym Or Place To Work Out and Hospital.

Please welcome these newcomers to this year’s Hall of Fame: Liz Roseman of Sustainable Health Acupuncture (Acupuncturist); Asheville Eye Associates (Eye Care Specialist/Service); and Homegrown Babies (Midwifery/Birthing Services) — Susan Foster X

WELL, HOT DOG!

s k n Tha ville ! e h s A DRTIMGILLESPIE.COM | 828.252.9351 | TIMOTHY E. GILLESPIE, DMD, PA | 36 ORANGE ST, 28801 MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

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BEST OF HEALTH & WELLNESS 3 BRENT MYERS (MYERS CHIROPRACTIC AND FUNCTIONAL HEALTH) s 3106 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 676-0963 • bmyerschiro.com

ACUPUNCTURIST 1 LIZ ROSEMAN (SUSTAINABLE HEALTH ACUPUNCTURE) d x

36 Clayton St., Asheville 333-4614 • Acupuncture-in-Asheville.com

2 NATASHA KUBIS (ASHEVILLE GYNECOLOGY & WELLNESS) s

11 Crispin Court, Suite E106, Asheville 585-6655 • ashevillegynecologywellness.com

2 SALLY ROBINSON (WHITE PINE ACUPUNCTURE) 247 Charlotte St Ste R3, Asheville 545-2288 • whitepineacupuncture.com

3 WHITNEY MADDEN (SOURCE FOR WELL-BEING) E a 78 Riddle Road, Swannanoa 778-4180 • sourceforwellbeing.com

HOSPITAL 1 MISSION HEALTH d x 509 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 213-1111 • mission-health.org

2 PARK RIDGE HEALTH s a 100 Hospital Drive, Hendersonville 855-684-8501 • parkridgehealth.org

3 PARDEE HOSPITAL s a 800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville 696-1000 • pardeehospital.org

PLACE TO GET MEDICAL CARE WHEN UNDER- OR UNINSURED 1 MINNIE JONES HEALTH CENTER / WESTERN CAROLINA COMMUNITY HEALTH d 257 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 285-0622 • wncchs.org

2 INTEGRATIVE FAMILY MEDICINE OF ASHEVILLE d 372 Depot St., Suite 10, Asheville 575-9600 • integrativeasheville.org

2 MISSION HEALTH d

509 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 213-1111 • mission-health.org

3 ASHEVILLE BUNCOMBE COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN MINISTRY: FAMILY SERVICES d 30 Cumberland Ave., Asheville 259-5300 • abccm.org

“Improving the function of your body”

Thank you for voting us

one of the BEST

ChIRoPRaCToRS in WnC!!

Focusing on Chiropractic Sports Medicine & Manual Therapy to improve performance and your overall quality of life. Targeted patient specific rehabilitation and soft tissue techniques to enhance your movement and eliminate your pain and dysfunction.

3106 Sweeten Creek Rd., Suite E Asheville, NC 28803

828-676-0963 www.bmyerschiro.com

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#1 Acupuncturist

Liz Roseman

“Thank you for voting me #1 Acupuncturist for the fourth year.

It is a great honor!”

Specializing in: Women's Health Insomnia

Fertility Struggles Digestive Issues

Emotional Issues Pain

Sustainable Health Acupuncture 828-333-4614 • 36 Clayton St, Asheville, NC 28801

www.acupuncture-in-asheville.com liz@acupuncture-in-asheville.com

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BEST OF HEALTH & WELLNESS

Asheville Head, Neck and Ear Surgeons, P.A.

Thank you for your votes!

We are proud to help improve hearing in WNC! ashevilleheadneckear.com

Celebrating our 12th anniversary!

PHOTO BY ABLE ALLEN

TIMOTHY E. GILLESPIE: Best Dentist EYE CARE SPECIALIST/SERVICE 1 ASHEVILLE EYE ASSOCIATES s x 8 Medical Park Drive, Asheville 258-1586 • ashevilleeye.com 2001 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 258-1586 2311 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville 258-1586

2 ENVISION EYECARE d

180 Charlotte St., Asheville 254-6757 • myenvisioneyecare.com

3 TUNNEL VISION E

Thanks, Asheville!

VOTED BEST INDIAN EVERY YEAR SINCE 2006 1st Place • Lunch 2nd Place • Business Lunch

melaasheville.com

70 N. LEXINGTON AVENUE 828.225.8880 58

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4 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville 298-6500 • tunnelvisionasheville.com

HEARING CARE SPECIALIST/SERVICE 1 THE HEARING CENTER OF ASHEVILLE s

1 Vanderbilt Park Drive, Suite 110, Asheville 277-1000 • thehearingcenter.com

2 ASHEVILLE HEAD, NECK & EAR SURGEONS, P.A. s E 1065 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 254-3517 • avl.mx/3sk 1000 Centre Park Dr., Asheville 254-3517

DENTIST 1 TIMOTHY E. GILLESPIE d x 36 Orange St., Asheville 252-9351 • drtimgillespie.com

2 M. SCOTT PEELE s

1087 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 274-4747 • ashevilledentalwellness.com

2 MARKS FAMILY DENTISTRY n 674 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 255-8447 • northashevilledentist.com

3 MARK A. KNOLLMAN, DDS, PA E 600-B Centrepark Drive, Asheville 254-5677 • drknollman.com

ORTHODONTIST 1 KEITH BLACK s

5 Yorkshire St., Asheville 277-7103 • kblacksmiles.com

2 JEFFREY ROEDER s

22 Medical Park Drive, Suite C, Asheville 274-2500 • roederorthodontics.com

2 LUKE ROBERTS s

2 Walden Ridge Dr. Suite 50, Asheville 585-6045 • blueridgeorthodontics.com

3 TIMOTHY SCANLAN s

4 Vanderbilt Park Drive #110, Asheville 237-4442 • tsorthodontics.com

Our Mission is Your Vision

Thank You WNC!

Asheville Eye Associates thanks Mountain Xpress readers for voting us Best Eye Care Specialist!

Serving the communities of

Asheville, South Asheville, Hendersonville, Sylva, Franklin, Hayesville, and Boone NC

Ashevilleeye.com | (828)258-1586

828.254.5677

600-B Centrepark Drive, Asheville, NC MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

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Western North Carolina’s most comprehensive Specialty & Emergency Animal Hospital

Mountain Xpress Presents

FRE ET! E VEN

NERS: N I W D R A year’s X AW is h t g in r u t a Fe

S:

ND BEST BA

LYRIC * B .

S U I RATS SIR R E V I R E IE & TH H C T O KS , W SC C U R T ANDRE OD

WS , FO O I Y BRE D T A R R A T P BES CIAL & SPE EAM R C E IC

With guest appearances from LaZoom with nuns!

HIGHLAND AUG. 17 BREWING CO. 5–9PM AT

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MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

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I'm honored to be voted one of the best, Thank you Asheville!

BEST OF HEALTH & WELLNESS

PHOTO BY SCOTT SOUTHWICK

ERIN BROWN: Best Massage Therapist

1977 Hendersonville Rd Suite 1 To schedule or contact simply go to www.therunnersmechanic.com

PHYSICAL THERAPIST 1 RACHEL WARING (PHYSIO PHYSICAL THERAPY AND WELLNESS) n 640 Merrimon Ave Suite 107, Asheville 348-1780 • PhysioWNC.com

2 MIRIAM NELSON (THE RUNNER’S MECHANIC) s 1977 Hendersonville Road, Suite 3, Asheville 713-0929 • therunnersmechanic.com

3 SEAN SIMONDS (SPECIALIZED PHYSICAL THERAPY) s 20 Gaia Drive, G-104, Asheville 484-4200 • specializednc.com

3 WESLEY MILLER n

959 Merrimon Ave, STE 3B, Asheville 242-0343 • antifragilephysicaltherapy.com

MASSAGE THERAPIST 1 ERIN BROWN (SYNC BODYWORK) d 59 Charlotte St., Asheville 785-1771 • syncbodywork.com

2 ZACH COMER (ADVANCED PAIN RELIEF THERAPY) d 191 E. Chestnut St., Asheville 776-1392 • medicalmassageasheville.com

FAMILY MEDICAL PRACTICE 1 THE FAMILY HEALTH CENTERS d 206 Asheland Ave., Asheville 258-8681 • fhconline.com

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143 Ashland Ave., Asheville 258-9191 • ashevillewomens.com 310 Long Shoals Road, Arden 687-2955

2 PLANNED PARENTHOOD: ASHEVILLE HEALTH CENTER d 68 McDowell St., Asheville 252-7928 • avl.mx/3va

3 LAUREL OB/GYN d

41 Oakland Road, Suite 200, Asheville 253-5381 • laurelobgyn.com

MATERNITY CARE/SERVICE 1 ASHEVILLE WOMEN'S MEDICAL CENTER d s x 143 Ashland Ave., Asheville 258-9191 • ashevillewomens.com 310 Long Shoals Road, Arden 687-2955

2 MAHEC OB/GYN SPECIALISTS s 119 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 771-5500 • avl.mx/3uj

3 BILTMORE OB-GYN s

24 Medical Park Drive, Asheville 277-7727 • biltmoreob-gyn.com

MIDWIFERY/BIRTHING SERVICES 1 HOMEGROWN BABIES d x

3 COMMUNITY FAMILY PRACTICE d

2 WNC BIRTH CENTER d

260 Merrimon Ave., Suite 200, Asheville 254-2444 • communityfamilyonline.com

BEST OF WNC - PART ONE

1 ASHEVILLE WOMEN'S MEDICAL CENTER d s x

2 OUR FAMILY DOCTOR d

43 Oakland Road, Asheville 252-2511 • ourfamilydoctorasheville.com

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WOMEN'S HEALTH CENTER

201 Charlotte St., Asheville 777-8899 • homegrownbabies.com 390 South French Broad, Asheville 378-0075 • wncbirthcenter.com

Mountain Xpress Presents

BEST

BANDS:

BEST

FRE ET! E VEN

SIRIUS.B * LYRIC ANDREW SCOTCHIE & THE RIVER RATS

RADIO , FOOD TRUCKS

&

ICE CREAM

HIGHLAND AUG. 17 BREWING CO. 5–9PM AT

With guest appearances from LaZoom with nuns!

Thank you WNC!

OurFamilyDoctorAsheville.com

Thanks for voting us to the top!

The best primary care doctors under one roof.

Now taking new patients! 828.252.2511

Celebrating over 40 years of Excellence in Women’s Health Care FIRST PLACE: • Women’s Health Center • Maternity Care/Service (828) 258-9191 • www.ashevillewomens.com MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

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BEST OF HEALTH & WELLNESS ALTERNATIVE HEALING CENTER 1 ALCHEMY TEAROOM, APOTHECARY & ACUPUNCTURE d 62 Clayton St., Asheville 575-9419 • alchemyasheville.com

PSYCHOLOGIST/COUNSELOR

Thank you for voting us one of the Best Food Trucks Asheville!

Come get the same great food at our Cafe!

Deli - Market - Food Truck - Catering 807 Patton Avenue • 575-2758 www.gypsyqueencuisine.com

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1 JAMES COLVIN, MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPIST, MDIV, LMFT d 16 Arlington St., Asheville 424-7941 • balanceu.com

2 LAUREN WOODARD, LCSW: BLOOM COUNSELING AND CONSULTING d

20 Battery Park Ave., Suite 802, Asheville 775-9178 • laurenwoodardlcsw.com

HOSPICE 1 CAREPARTNERS s x

68 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville 277-4800 • carepartners.org

2 FOUR SEASONS COMPASSION FOR LIFE d 373 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 692-6178 • fourseasonscfl.org

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MORTUARY/FUNERAL SERVICES 1 GROCE FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE w E x 1401 Patton Ave., Asheville 252-3535 • grocefuneralhome.com 856 Tunnel Road, Asheville 299-4416

2 MORRIS FUNERAL HOME d

304 Merrimon Ave., Asheville 252-1821 • morrisfamilyfuneralhome.com

3 WEST FAMILY FUNERAL SERVICES n a 17 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville 645-3011 • westfamilyfuneralservices.com

HERBAL SUPPLEMENT STORE 1 FRENCH BROAD FOOD COOP d 90 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 255-7650 • frenchbroadfood.coop

2 EARTH FARE w s

66 Westgate Parkway, Asheville 253-7656 • EarthFare.com 1856 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 210-0100

3 HERBIARY d

29 N. Market St., Asheville 552-3334 • herbiary.com

YOGA STUDIO 1 ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY YOGA n x 8 Brookdale Road, Asheville 255-5575 • ashevillecommunityyoga.com

2 ASHEVILLE YOGA CENTER d 211 S. Liberty St., Asheville 254-0380 • youryoga.com

3 HOT YOGA ASHEVILLE s

802 Fairview Road, Ste.100, Asheville 299-7003 • hotyogaasheville.com

YOGA TEACHER 1 MICHAEL GREENFIELD (ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY YOGA) n 8 Brookdale Road, Suite A, Woodfin 255-5575 • ashevillecommunityyoga.com

2 CINDY DOLLAR (ONE CENTER YOGA) d 120 Coxe Ave., 3rd Floor, Asheville 225-1904 • onecenteryoga.com

3 ADI WESTERMAN (HOT YOGA ASHEVILLE) E 802 Fairview Rd, Asheville 299-7003 • hotyogaasheville.com

GYM OR PLACE TO WORK OUT 1 YMCA OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA d x 30 Woodfin St., Asheville 210-9622 • ymcawnc.org

❤ THANK YOU ASHEVILLE FOR VOTING US ❤

#1 ALTERNATIVE HEALING CENTER

or Thank you f

voting us #1...YAY!

Alchemy seeks to transform the way Chinese Medicine is experienced through the creation of a vibrant and welcoming sanctuary. As a tearoom, apothecary, and acupuncture practice, we are committed to nourishing the individual and the community while supporting environmental well-being.

Accepting New Patients!

62 Clayton Street, Asheville NC 28801 • alchemyasheville.com • 828.575.9419

JAMES COLVIN

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Holistic Therapy for Individuals & Couples

THANK YOU for your votes ASHEVILLE!

#1 Psychologist/Counselor Check out video interview & radio podcasts on website!

16 Arlington Street, Asheville, NC 28801 828-424-7941 colvin3@gmail.com • JamesCColvin.com MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

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BEST OF HEALTH & WELLNESS 2 HARD EXERCISE WORKS s 1636 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 575-2556 • avl.mx/2to

3 GOLD’S GYM w

1047 Patton Ave., Asheville 398-1430 • goldsgym.com

FITNESS STUDIO WITH CLASSES 1 YMCA OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA d 30 Woodfin St., Asheville 210-9622 • ymcawnc.org

2 HARD EXERCISE WORKS s 1636 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville 575-2556 • avl.mx/2to

3 SOUNDBARRE s

900 Hendersonville Road, Suite 101-B, Asheville 279-9777 • SoundbarreAsh.com

PHYSICAL TRAINER 1 WILL MATHIS (HARD EXERCISE WORKS) s 1636 Hendersonville Road, Asheville 575-2556 • avl.mx/2to

2 MEAGAN KOEHLER (RISE AUTHENTIC PILATES) d 60 Biltmore Ave., Ste. 002, Asheville 575-9500 • riseasheville.com

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3 AARON LEDFORD (SUMMIT CROSSFIT) s 21 McArthur Lane, Asheville 209-8786 • summitcrossfit.com

PILATES STUDIO/ CENTER/CLASSES 1 RISE: AUTHENTIC PILATES d 60 Biltmore Ave., Ste. 002, Asheville 575-9500 • riseasheville.com

2 FUSION PILATES ASHEVILLE d 120 Coxe Ave., Suite 1B, Asheville 333-4611 • fusionpilatesasheville.com

3 CLASIQUE ACUPUNCTURE & PILATES STUDIO d 50 McCormick Place, Asheville 333-5053 • studioclasique.com

MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO 1 ASHEVILLE SUN SOO TAE KWON DO w x

1009 Patton Ave., Asheville 505-4309 • martialartsasheville.com

2 BUDO MOUNTAIN MARTIAL ARTS n 640 Merrimon Ave., Suite 207, Asheville 280-0624 • budomountain.com

3 SHAOLIN KUNG FU OF ASHEVILLE w 619A Haywood Road, Asheville 707-1287 • ashevilleshaolin.com

THANK YOU for VOTING US #1

National 2014 Practice of the Year, Gentle 24 Hour Nursing Care, Advanced & Accurate Dental Care, Gold Standard Feline Practice, Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Surgery, Endoscopy, Ultrasound, Echocardiograms, Digital X-Ray, Video Ear Diagnostics, Advanced Pain Control Unsurpassed in Caring • State-of-the-Art Affordable • Serving all WNC • Extended Hours

1 Beaverdam Road at Merrimon Ave. • 828-253-3393 ahna.net • Join us on Facebook MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

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UNIQUELY ASHEVILLE NEIGHBORHOOD 1 WEST ASHEVILLE x 2 MONTFORD 3 NORTH ASHEVILLE ACTIVIST GROUP FOR CIVIC/POLITICAL ACTION 1 INDIVISIBLE ASHEVILLE/WNC indivisibleavl.org

2 OUR REVOLUTION ourrevolutionavl.com

BEST THING TO HAPPEN TO ASHEVILLE IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS 1 WOMEN'S MARCH 2 GREENWAYS BUMPER STICKER OR SLOGAN ABOUT ASHEVILLE 1 KEEP ASHEVILLE WEIRD x 2 CESSPOOL OF SIN 3 WELCOME TO ASHEVILLE, NOW GO HOME

PHOTO BY SCOTT SOUTHWICK

GREENWAYS: Project You’d Like To See Local Government Do

FUNDRAISING EVENT 1 DRAG QUEEN BINGO (BROTHER WOLF ANIMAL RESCUE) 505-3440 • bwar.org

2 DINING OUT FOR LIFE (WNCAP) 252-7489 • diningoutforlife.com/asheville

ICON KEY nORTH sOUTH �AST wEST dOWNTOWN AREA rIVER ARTS DISTRICT a OUTLYING AREA x HALL OF FAME (Winner four years or more in a row)

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All

right, readers. If you’ll please take out your pencils, we’d like to administer a friendly pop quiz. There’s only one question. Those who guess correctly will be eligible to receive a free weekly copy of Mountain Xpress (home deliveries unavailable; for additional information, see local newsstands).

Now don’t be nervous. Trust your instinct. If you lack instinct, this year’s lineup of Uniquely Asheville X Awards should steer you in the right direction.

This year’s winners chronicle a change of guard in certain categories.

For example, downtown Asheville earned the honor of best Place to Take Your Eccentric Friends; last year’s winner, the drum circle, dropped to second place (and yes, we realize the drum circle takes place in downtown Asheville, but that’s what

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happens with write-in ballots). Is the weirdness spreading or are voters just losing focus?

Meanwhile, last year’s best Local Politician, Cecil Bothwell, lost his laurels to Mayor Esther Manheimer.

Bothwell, however, did ascend a rung on another ladder, that of best Local Villain, climbing to second this year.

Unfortunately, the votes just weren’t enough for him to steal the crown from 2017’s repeat Local Villain winner, former City Council member and newly elected chairman of the Buncombe County Republican Party, Carl Mumpower. Try again next year?

Switching focus to the section’s repeat winners, we salute: West Asheville (best Neighborhood); Biltmore Estates (multi-category

champion for best Place to Get Married, Local Asheville Attraction and Place To Take Your Visiting Family); “Keep Asheville Weird” (best Bumper Sticker Or Slogan About Asheville); LaZoom Tours (best Local City Tour); Omni Grove Park Inn (best Hotel); and MANNA FoodBank (best Nonprofit That Serves The Underprivileged).

All right, readers, the time has come.

1. What makes Asheville a unique place to live?

A) The people.

B) The local businesses and organizations.

C) Its views and attractions.

D) All of the above.

—Thomas Calder X

BE

ST OF

14

20 WNC

white duck taco shop MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

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BEST DAY HIKES

BEST OF UNIQUELY ASHEVILLE

This word cloud is created by combining key words from the write-in answers from the survey.

The more people who gave an answer, the bigger the word appears.

PHOTO BY ABLE ALLEN

WALL STREET: Best Street for Pedestrians HOLIDAY EVENT 1 ASHEVILLE HOLIDAY PARADE 2 CHRISTMAS AT BILTMORE ESTATE biltmore.com

2 WARREN HAYNES CHRISTMAS JAM xmasjam.com

3 GINGERBREAD HOUSE COMPETITION: THE OMNI GROVE PARK INN n 290 Macon Ave., Asheville avl.mx/3te

3 WINTER LIGHTS AT THE NC ARBORETUM w

100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville 665-2492 • ncarboretum.org

LOCAL VILLAIN 1 CARL MUMPOWER 2 CECIL BOTHWELL cecilbothwell.com

3 MARK MEADOWS meadows.house.gov

LOCAL POLITICIAN 1 ESTHER MANHEIMER 2 CECIL BOTHWELL cecilbothwell.com

3 TERRY VAN DUYN votevanduyn.com

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2 LEXINGTON AVENUE 3 HAYWOOD ROAD (WEST ASHEVILLE) STREET FOR CYCLISTS 1 NONE PROJECT YOU'D LIKE TO SEE LOCAL GOVERNMENT DO 1 GREENWAYS 2 SIDEWALKS 3 BIKE LANES THING DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE NEEDS 1 PARKING 2 BIKE INFRASTRUCTURE 3 MORE PARKS THING WEST ASHEVILLE NEEDS 1 PARKING 2 BIKE INFRASTRUCTURE 3 SIDEWALKS THING NORTH ASHEVILLE NEEDS 1 MORE RESTAURANT OPTIONS 2 BIKE INFRASTRUCTURE 3 SIDEWALKS

continued

THING SOUTH ASHEVILLE NEEDS 1 BETTER ROADS & TRAFFIC 2 BIKE LANES/INFRASTUCTURE 2 MORE RESTAURANTS 3 SIDEWALKS THING EAST ASHEVILLE NEEDS 1 MORE RESTAURANT CHOICES 2 SIDEWALKS 3 BIKE LANES/INFRASTUCTURE THING THE RIVER ARTS DISTRICT NEEDS 1 SIDEWALKS 2 BIKE INFRASTRUCTURE 3 RESTAURANTS BIGGEST THREAT TO ASHEVILLE'S UNIQUENESS 1 HOTELS 2 CHAIN STORES AND CHAIN RESTAURANTS 3 DEVELOPMENT / OVER-GROWTH

NONPROFIT THAT IMPROVES ASHEVILLE 1 BROTHER WOLF ANIMAL RESCUE s x 31 Glendale Ave., Asheville 505-3440 • bwar.org

2 ASHEVILLE AREA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY s 33 Meadow Road, Asheville 251-5702 • ashevillehabitat.org

3 ASHEVILLE GREENWORKS w 2 Sulphur Springs Road, Asheville 254-1776 • ashevillegreenworks.org

NONPROFIT THAT SERVES THE UNDERPRIVILEGED 1 MANNA FOODBANK E 627 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville 299-3663 • mannafoodbank.org

2 ASHEVILLE BUNCOMBE COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN MINISTRY d 20 Twentieth St., Asheville 259-5300 • abccm.org

2 HOMEWARD BOUND d

218 Patton Ave., Asheville 258-1695 • homewardboundwnc.org

3 PISGAH LEGAL SERVICES 62 Charlotte St., Asheville 253-0406 • pisgahlegal.org

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BEST OF UNIQUELY ASHEVILLE

PHOTO BY ABLE ALLEN

HOTELS: Biggest Threat to Asheville’s Uniqueness LOCAL CITY TOUR 1 LAZOOM TOURS d x 14 Battery Park Ave., Asheville 225-6932 • lazoomtours.com

2 GRAY LINE HISTORIC TROLLEY TOURS OF ASHEVILLE Hop on or off at various locations 251-TOUR • graylineasheville.com

3 HOOD HUGGERS INTERNATIONAL HOOD TOURS 275-5305 • hoodhuggers.com

PUBLIC ART INSTALLATION OR MURAL 1 MURAL UNDER I-240 ON LEXINGTON AVE.

PLACE TO TAKE YOUR ECCENTRIC FRIENDS 1 DOWNTOWN 2 DRUM CIRCLE d Pritchard Park, Asheville

3 LAZOOM TOURS d

14 Battery Park Ave., Asheville 225-6932 • lazoomtours.com

PLACE TO TAKE YOUR VISITING FAMILY 1 BILTMORE ESTATE s x 1 Lodge St., Asheville 800-411-3812 • biltmore.com

2 BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY blueridgeparkway.org

PLACE TO GET MARRIED 1 BILTMORE ESTATE s x 1 Lodge St., Asheville 800-411-3812 • biltmore.com

2 THE NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM w 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville 665-2492 • ncarboretum.org

LOCAL ASHEVILLE ATTRACTION 1 BILTMORE ESTATE s x 1 Lodge St., Asheville 800-411-3812 • biltmore.com

2 BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY

3 OMNI GROVE PARK INN n

290 Macon Ave., Asheville 800-438-5800 • omnigroveparkinn.com

HOTEL 1 OMNI GROVE PARK INN n x 290 Macon Ave., Asheville 800-438-5800 • omnigroveparkinn.com

2 ALOFT ASHEVILLE DOWNTOWN d 51 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 232-2838 • aloftashevilledowntown.com

3 HOTEL INDIGO d

151 Haywood St., Asheville 239-0239 • ashevilleindigo.com

blueridgeparkway.org

3 LAZOOM TOURS d

14 Battery Park Ave., Asheville 225-6932 • lazoomtours.com

B&B OR SMALL BOUTIQUE HOTEL

3 THE NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM w 1 THE WINDSOR BOUTIQUE HOTEL d 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville 665-2492 • ncarboretum.org

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36 Broadway, Asheville 844-494-6376 • windsorasheville.com

project you’d like to see local government do

We love taking care of your guests, thank you for sending them our way Asheville! – The Windsor Team

Thank You! Our Customers are the Best!

70 Monticello Rd. Weaverville, NC I-26/Exit 18 828-645-3937

This word cloud is created by combining key words from the write-in answers from the survey.

The more people who gave an answer, the bigger the word appears.

www.reemscreek.com

most needed playground

This word cloud is created by combining key words from the write-in answers from the survey.

The more people who gave an answer, the bigger the word appears.

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SMALL TOWNS burnsville BREAKFAST RESTAURANT 1 PIG & GRITS 620 W. Main St., Burnsville 536-0010 • pigandgrits.com

LUNCH RESTAURANT 1 GARDEN DELI AND SNAP DRAGON BAR & KITCHEN 107 Town Square, Burnsville 682-3946 • garden-deli.com

2 BUBBA'S GOOD EATS 394 E. Main St., Burnsville 678-3388 • bubbasgoodeats.com

DINNER RESTAURANT 1 KNIFE AND FORK 61 Locust St., Spruce Pine 765-1511 • knifeandforknc.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF PIG & GRITS

CULTURAL OR ARTS EVENT 1 MT. MITCHELL CRAFTS FAIR

sometimes, the

Burnsville Town Square, Burnsville yanceychamber.com/craft-fair

BEST THING TO HAPPEN TO YOUR TOWN IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS 1 FOUR LANE CONSTRUCTION ENDING

ICON KEY x HALL OF FAME (Winner four years or more in a row)

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PIG & GRITS: Best Breakfast Restaurant

smallest fruit is the sweetest. The nectar of WNC culture virtually oozes from its many tiny metropolises. That’s right, one must look beyond Asheville’s city limits to discover many of the region’s hidden treasures, including delicious food, refreshing drinks, impassioned arts, heartwarming performances and a whole lot more, just waiting to be discovered and rediscovered.

This year, we asked voters to identify the best arts and cultural events to be found in various WNC towns, as well as local historical and cultural landmarks. And some won

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in landslides. Two-thirds of regionally knowledgeable voters told us the Sandburg Home at “Connemara” is the best Cultural or Historical Landmark in the Flat Rock and Hendersonville area. And over one-third proclaimed the Mount Mitchell Craft Fair to be the Best Cultural or Arts Event in Burnsville. If you didn’t weigh in this year on behalf of your favorite small town, consider sharing next year what’s on your not-to-be-missed list.

This year, we welcome these Hall of Fame inductees: Sunrise Cafe (Breakfast Restaurant) and

Brevard Music Center (Music/ Entertainment Venue) in Brevard, as well as Innovation Brewing (Music/ Entertainment Venue) in Sylva, each of them having chalked up four wins in a row in their categories. The distinction puts them in select company in the Small Towns section. Competition runs hot, with the heaviest voting in the food categories, and precious few dining establishments manage to hang on to first place for more than a couple consecutive years … at least for now.

— Able Allen X

Offering our own craft-brewed beer, hand-tossed pizza with fresh local ingredients, & scrumptious homemade ice cream

The Square rooT

1st Place Business That Best Represents the Spirit of Your Town (Weaverville & Woodfin)

1st Place Music/Entertainment Venue (Weaverville & Woodfin) Top 3 Lunch and Dinner Restaurant (Weaverville & Woodfin)

Brevard

Thank you to the best staff around who work hard every day to make it happen

First Place - Lunch Restaurant First Place - Dinner Restaurant

s q ua r e r o o t r e s ta u r a n t . c o m 33 TimeS arcade alley B r e va r d , N c 828.884.6171

Live music every night from 7-9 55 N Main St downtown Weaverville bluemountainpizza.com • 828.658.8778 Tue-Sun 11am to 9pm with extended hours Fri-Sat until 10pm

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BEST OF SMALL TOWNS

r e you IAL c n u anno an OFFIC ith win w

Burnsville

40

Hot Springs 26

Mars Hill

D R A AW RD

Marshall

A C A L P

Weaverville

DOWNTOWN

Woodfin

Asheville

8.5” x 11” HIGH QUALITY MOUNT $60

Black Mountain 40

Swannanoa 40

Waynesville

+ SHIPPING Sylva Cullowhee

ONLY AVAILABLE AT MOUNTAINXPRESS. NEWSKEEPSAKE.COM

Mountain Xpress Presents

HIGHLAND BREWING CO. AUG. 17 * 5–9PM

FEATURING X AWARD WINNING BANDS, RADIO, FOOD TRUCKS, ICE CREAM, ENTERTAINMENT, T! E VEN & SPECIAL BREWS

FRE E

BEST OF WNC - PART ONE

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BREVARD BREAKFAST RESTAURANT 1 SUNRISE CAFE x

468 N Broad St., Brevard 884-3331 • the-sunrise-cafe.com

2 CREEKSIDE MARKET

8960 Greenville Hwy, Asheville creeksidetaphouse.com

3 CEDAR MOUNTAIN CAFE

10667 Greenville Hwy, Cedar Mountain 884-5272 • cedarmountaincafe.com

LUNCH RESTAURANT 1 THE SQUARE ROOT RESTAURANT x 33 Times Arcade Alley, Brevard 884-6171 • squarerootrestaurant.com

2 MAYBERRY'S

30 W. Main St., Brevard 862-8646 • mayberrys.co

3 ROCKY'S GRILL AND SODA SHOP 38 S. Broad St., Brevard 877-5375 • ddbullwinkels.com/Rockys

DINNER RESTAURANT 1 THE SQUARE ROOT RESTAURANT x 33 Times Arcade Alley, Brevard 884-6171 • squarerootrestaurant.com

2 MAGPIE MEAT AND THREE

170 King Street, Brevard 877-3773 • magpiemeatandthree.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF BLUE RIDGE BAKERY

3 MARCO TRATTORIA

BLUE RIDGE BAKERY: Best Coffee & Sweets

204 W. Main St., Brevard 883-4841 • marcotrattoria.com

COFFEE & SWEETS 1 BLUE RIDGE BAKERY

86 W. Main St., Brevard 883-8444 • blueridgebakery.com

2 BRACKEN MOUNTAIN BAKERY 42. S. Broad St., Brevard 883-4034

3 QUOTATIONS COFFEE CAFÉ 147 E. Main St., Brevard 883-8966

ART GALLERY 1 NUMBER 7 ARTS

2 W. Main St., Brevard 883-2294 • number7arts.com

MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT VENUE 1 BREVARD MUSIC CENTER x 349 Andante Lane, Brevard 862-2100 • brevardmusic.org

2 THE PHOENIX

14 S. Gaston St., Brevard 877-3232 • thephoenixbrevard.com

3 185 KING STREET

185 King St., Brevard 877-1850 • 185kingst.com

RETAIL STORE 1 O.P. TAYLOR'S

16 S. Broad St., Brevard 883-2309 • optaylors.com

2 THEOPHILUS

66 E. Main St., Brevard

CULTURAL OR ARTS EVENT 1 WHITE SQUIRREL FESTIVAL whitesquirrelfestival.com

2 BREVARD MUSIC FESTIVAL brevardmusic.org/festival

3 MOUNTAIN SONG FESTIVAL mountainsongfestival.com

CULTURAL OR HISTORICAL LANDMARK 1 SILVERMONT MANSION 364 E. Main St., Brevard 885-2017 • silvermont.org

BUSINESS THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF YOUR TOWN 1 OSKAR BLUES BREWERY 342 Mountain Industrial Drive, Brevard 883-2337 • oskarblues.com

WHAT CATEGORY WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE ADDED TO THIS SECTION NEXT YEAR? 1 BEST BAR MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

AUGUST 9 - 15, 2017

“Proudly supporting your coffee habit since 1999.”



221 W. STATE STREET BLACK MOUNTAIN, NC 828.669.0999 BEST OF WNC - PART ONE

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BEST OF SMALL TOWNS

hendersonville / flat rock BREAKFAST RESTAURANT 1 HENDOUGH CHICKEN AND DONUTS 532 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville 595-2885 • hendough.com

2 THE GALLERY AT FLAT ROCK 2702A Greenville Highway, Flat Rock 698-7000 • galleryflatrock.com

MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT VENUE

2 FIRESIDE RESTAURANT

295 Sugarloaf Road, Hendersonville 697-1004 • firesidepancakeinn.com

1 FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE

3 HONEY & SALT

2661 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock 693-0731 • flatrockplayhouse.org

2730 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock 676-8322

2 SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN BREWERY

LUNCH RESTAURANT 1 WEST FIRST WOOD-FIRED PIZZA x 101-B 1st Ave. W., Hendersonville 693-1080 • Flatrockwoodfired.com

822 Locust St., Hendersonville 684-1235 • sabrewery.com

3 SANCTUARY BREWING COMPANY 147 1st Ave. E., Hendersonville 595-9956 • sanctuarybrewco.com

2 HENDOUGH CHICKEN AND DONUTS 532 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville 595-2885 • hendough.com

1 MAST GENERAL STORE

3 NEVER BLUE

527 N. Main St., Hendersonville 696-1883 • mastgeneralstore.com

119 S. Main St., Hendersonville 693-4646 • theneverblue.com

DINNER RESTAURANT 1 NEVER BLUE

1 WEST FIRST WOOD-FIRED PIZZA x 101-B 1st Ave. W., Hendersonville 693-1080 • Flatrockwoodfired.com

2 FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE 3 ART ON MAIN

633 N. Main St., Hendersonville 698-8048 • umihendersonville.com

306 Derby Lane, Hendersonville avl.mx/3se

3 POSTERO

401 N. Main St., Hendersonville 595-9676 • postero-hvl.com

CULTURAL OR HISTORICAL LANDMARK

COFFEE & SWEETS

1 CARL SANDBURG HOME NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE 2 HENDERSON COUNTY COURTHOUSE AND HERITAGE MUSEUM 3 FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE

1 MCFARLAN BAKERY

309 N. Main St., Hendersonville 693-4256 • mcfarlanbakery.com

2 BLACK BEAR COFFEE CO. 318 N. Main St., Hendersonville 828-MY-COFFEE • blackbear.coffee

2661 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock 693-0731 • flatrockplayhouse.org

3 JONGO JAVA

117 S. Main St., Hendersonville 696-9052 • jongojavacoffeehouse.com

ART GALLERY 1 ART MOB STUDIOS AND MARKETPLACE

BEST OF WNC - PART ONE

PO Box 886, Hendersonville 28793 ncapplefestival.org 2661 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock 693-0731 • flatrockplayhouse.org

2 UMI JAPANESE FINE DINING

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CULTURAL OR ARTS EVENT 1 NC APPLE FESTIVAL

119 S. Main St., Hendersonville 693-4646 • theneverblue.com

124 4th Ave. E., Hendersonville 693-4545 • artmobstudios.com

RETAIL STORE

BEST THING TO HAPPEN TO YOUR TOWN IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS 1 GROWTH AND IMPROVEMENTS AT THE PARK AT FLAT ROCK

AUGUST 9 - 15, 2017

MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

PHOTO COURTESY OF CARL SANDBURG HOME NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

CARL SANDBURG HOME NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE: Best Cultural Or Historical Landmark BUSINESS THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF YOUR TOWN 1 SANCTUARY BREWING COMPANY 147 1st Ave. E., Hendersonville 595-9956 • sanctuarybrewco.com

2 HOT DOG WORLD 226 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville 697-0374 • hotdogworld.net

3 FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE 2661 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock 693-0731 • flatrockplayhouse.org

WHAT CATEGORY WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE ADDED TO THIS SECTION NEXT YEAR? 1 BEST BAR OR BREWERY

continued

CULLOWHEE / SYLVA BREAKFAST RESTAURANT 1 THE COFFEE SHOP 385 W. Main St., Sylva 586-2013 • facebook.com/pages/The-CoffeeShop/225830537427351

2 CITY LIGHTS CAFE 3 E. Jackson St., Sylva 587-CAFE • citylightscafe.com

LUNCH RESTAURANT 1 LULU'S ON MAIN 612 W. Main St., Sylva 586-8989 • lulusonmain.com

2 MAD BATTER FOOD & FILM 617 W. Main St., Sylva 586-3555 • madbatterfoodfilm.com

3 SAZON MEXICAN CUISINE 2840 Old Cullowhee Road, Sylva 293-9443 • sazoncullowhee.com

DINNER RESTAURANT 1 LULU'S ON MAIN x

612 W. Main St., Sylva 586-8989 • lulusonmain.com

2 MAD BATTER FOOD & FILM 617 W. Main St., Sylva 586-3555 • madbatterfoodfilm.com

3 GUADALUPE CAFÉ 606 W. Main St., Sylva 586-9877 • guadalupecafe.com

COFFEE & SWEETS 1 CITY LIGHTS CAFE 3 E. Jackson St., Sylva 587-CAFE • citylightscafe.com

MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT VENUE

PHOTO COURTESY OF LULU’S ON MAIN

LULU’S ON MAIN: Best Lunch Restaurant, Best Dinner Restaurant

1 INNOVATION BREWING x 414 W. Main St., Sylva 586-9678 • innovationbrewing.com

RETAIL STORE 1 CITY LIGHTS CAFE 3 E. Jackson St., Sylva 587-CAFE • citylightscafe.com

CULTURAL OR ARTS EVENT 1 GREENING UP THE MOUNTAINS Sylva greeningupthemountains.com

CULTURAL OR HISTORICAL LANDMARK 1 JACKSON COUNTY COURTHOUSE / LIBRARY BEST THING TO HAPPEN TO YOUR TOWN IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS 1 FILMING OF “THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING MISSOURI”

BUSINESS THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF YOUR TOWN 1 INNOVATION BREWING

414 W. Main St., Sylva 586-9678 • innovationbrewing.com

WHAT CATEGORY WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE ADDED TO THIS SECTION NEXT YEAR? 1 BREWERY MOUNTAINX.COM/GUIDES

AUGUST 9 - 15, 2017

BEST OF WNC - PART ONE

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